Mr. Esmond Gilmore Robinson

September 14, 1967 - January 18, 2018

Esmond Gilmore Robinson was born in Roseau Dominica to Mrs. Angela and the late Gilmore (Champie) Robinson on September 14, 1967. He migrated to the United States of America at the tender age of six years. Embracing life, he achieved goals that were important to him and others. Therefore, shortly after graduating from West Philadelphia High School in 1985, he joined the United States Army in 1988, and was honorably discharged in 1996, after which he joined the Reserves. He attended Pierce College in Philadelphia and graduated in May, 2001. Esmond had a zest to venture into new fields of learning, therefore, he perused careers in Computer Technology and Fork Lift Operations where he worked for many years. After meeting the love of his life, Karen Pride, they were married on March 7, 1992, and together raised three children, Anthony, Ashley and Alex. Being a family man, he enjoyed spending quality time with them. One of the proudest moments in his life was when he was blessed with grandson Nathaniel. “Little Nate” was his world. Esmond loved to travel, needless to mention, he visited his homeland Dominica and enjoyed traveling throughout the Caribbean’s and United States. He was a well-informed sports fanatic who enjoyed playing basketball and pool. His television was set on the sports channel about 80% of the time. There he enjoyed cheering on the Philadelphia home teams. One of Esmond’s favorite topics of conversation was History. He loved debating philosophical issues. Ezz had a flair for fashion; his cousins referred to him as having swag since his brand of clothing was mostly Polo, Ralph Lauren and had to be well coordinated at all times. His fashion swag carried over to the pool room where he excelled with distinction earning many merits. He also had a passion for luxury—picture him posing in his Mercedes, his Jaguar or his Porsche. As a Dominican, he proudly displayed the Dominican Flag at his home. It was this pride for country which propelled him to request that his ashes be spread in Dominica, the land of his birth. Esmond was a devout Christian and a faithful member of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church. He was actively involved with the Stop-The-Violence-Program. We can assume that his trust in God helped him to face health challenges and still maintain a positive outlook on life. He exemplified the following quote from Pope Francis, “You can have flaws, be anxious and ever angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world.” Neither family members, nor friends can ever recall (Esmond, Esiboy, BoBo Foot, Ezzboy, Ezz, Groove, Ba, Dad, Pap-Pap) asking, “why me?” Instead he lived life to the fullest, and embraced each day. Knowing him, he would likely say to us, “Do not mourn my death, but instead celebrate my life.” He would also echo the following, “Never give up…Never give up on people who love you. Never give up on happiness, for life is an incredible show.” (Pope Francis.) On Thursday, January 18, 2018, Esmond entered eternal life. He is survived by his parents, Angela Garcia, Frank Garcia and Leon Parson; his daughter, Ashley Robinson; son, Alex Robinson; stepson, Anthony Pride; his siblings, Hermina, Elma, Alvin, Alvinia, Millinus, David, Sean and Terez; his brothers-in-law, Derek Waters and Joseph Solomon; nieces and nephews, Angela Waters, Erica Joseph, Agelina Robinson, Melissa Robinson, Derek Waters, Darius Waters, Omari Joseph and several others; his aunts, Christina, Esther, Migala, Hermina, Sonia, Sharine, Yvonne, Daphney; uncles, Basilio, Edgar and Jerome; cousins, Raylian, Ivory, Sharise, Natasha, Giano, Norrisa, Brenton, Shaniska, Leann, Morjean, Jeromy, Teddy, Andrew, Oliver, Murleve, Stargell, Christopher, Judian, Darvion, Demitrius, Juanallese, Jeushelin, Irseline, Ailnairis, Patrick, Chantale, Derrick, Gloria, Ann and several others from the Robinson Family. Submitted with our Everlasting Love, The Family.