Dennis Jackie Robinson

October 28, 1948 - January 9, 2021

Dennis Jackie Robinson was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to the late Samuel Robinson, Jr. and Florence G. Robinson Mosby on October 28, 1948. He departed earth peacefully at his home Saturday morning, January 9, 2021, surrounded by his family, who prayed and sang him to his home with the Lord. He was also predeceased by his loving gift father, Deacon James Mosby, his brother Samuel “Colyan” Robinson, III, his sister Elder Elaine “Tootsie” Kershaw, and grandson Uzoma Nosiri. Jackie graduated from Steelton High School, then served his country with distinction for 20-years in the Coast Guard, receiving numerous awards and commendations. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, during which time he received the Marine Corp Navy Bronze Star. Later in his career, Jackie became one of the Coast Guard’s first Black Drill Instructors. Following his military career, he returned to his hometown of Steelton, PA. Jackie had a love for learning, which brought him skills in a variety of areas. He freely used his gift of giving to people in the community through his handyman skills. He was lovingly called “the hardest working man in Steelton”. Everyone looked forward to eating his fried fish – there was none better on the earth. An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed hunting, gardening, and all things Philly. Although he was officially retired, Jackie worked at Opportunity Construction Company as Foreman of the Flagging Crew until his health began to fail. Upon his return to Steelton, Jackie reunited with Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church. At Monumental, he served on the Board of Trustees; sang in the Men’s Chorus; worked with The Sons of Allen serving as Men’s Day Chair in 2006 and 2010; was named the 2012 Unsung Hero, and participated in Harrisburg and First Episcopal District level activities. After joining in fellowship with Full Harvest Ministries, he served as a Choir member, Food Bank Ministry member, and bus driver. Jackie loved working in the church and found joy in using his skills and talents to serve his God and Church Family. Jackie is loved by his devoted wife, Thomastine (Thommie) Leggett-Robinson, his mother, Florence G. Mosby, Steelton, PA, seven children – Sandy (Dexter) Henry, Fayetteville, GA Travis (Christina) Robinson-Brown, Magnolia, DE, Chukwuma (Lynne Carrell) Nosiri, Steelton, PA, Denisha (Charles) Robinson-Epps, Harrisburg, PA Curtis (Shirley)Thomas, Knoxville, TN, Ijeoma (Babington)Anyaele, Belleville, NJ, and Nnawuihe (Tonya) Nosiri, Columbus, OH, son-in-law, James Robertson, Sr., Harrisburg, PA. Thirteen siblings- Patricia Roberts, Las Vegas, NV, William Robinson, Albany, NY, Terry Robinson, Steelton, PA, Yvonne Harvey, Theresa Chisolm, James (Elouise) Mosby, Jr., Joyce Spivey, Caroline (Samuel) Selvey, Wayne (Denise) Mosby, Gail (Jairus) Hughes all of Harrisburg, PA; Elwood (Dale) Miller, New Rochelle, NY, Charles (Carmen) Mosby, Mitchellville, MD, and Leon (Dorothy) Mosby, Montgomery, AL. Twenty-two grandchildren: Nikita Stinson, Curtis Thomas, Jr., Elijah Thomas, Katana Nosiri, Liana Brown, Joshua Donaldson, Bowen Nosiri, Malcolm Robinson-Williams, Syanne Nosiri, Gage Thomas, James Robertson, Jr., Ikenna Anyaele, Nya Anderson, Lena Brown, Obina Anyaele, Sean Robinson-Williams, Ijeoma Anyaele, Malaya Thomas, Nevaeh Epps, Natasha Epps, Angel Ocasio, Natalya Epps, and three great-grandchildren: Taeshaun Stinson, Nakyi Stinson, and Luckson Thomas. He is also loved by three gift sisters, Anita Leggett Briggs, Kansas City, MO, Margaret Leggett Tarver, Willingboro, NJ, and Carla Phinney, his close friend Don Wansley of Harrisburg, PA, five earthly angels who were especially attentive during his hospitalization – Abigail Hauck, Alex Fisher, Alex Hauck, Marvirstine Fisher, three devoted nephews, Troy Robinson, Swanee, GA, Brandon Madden, Steelton, PA, Derrick Tarver, Philadelphia, PA, and a host of other relatives and friends. “In Order to Reach Happiness on the Mountaintop, You Must First Endure the Pain in the Valley” – Dennis Jackie Robinson In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Outreach Ministries at Full Harvest Ministries, 1416 Cumberland Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103 FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS ON-LINE STREAMING OF SERVICE TAB OR MEDIA TAB (MOBILE) AND TRIBUTE WEBCAST TO VIEW SERVICE.