Neville George Robinson, affectionately called “Larkey,” was the youngest of 14 children, nine of whom were with his parents, Aubrey Haywood Robinson and Alice Maude Robinson. Neville was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies, in 1957. He attended Kellits Primary School and finished his secondary schooling in the United Kingdom. He was a carpenter by trade who retired from Miller & Long Construction Company after many years of dedicated service.

Young Neville and his mother migrated to London, England, in June 1972 to join his father. There, he connected with family with whom he maintained a strong bond until his untimely death. In 1983, he migrated from England to the United States, where he would begin a new chapter of his life. His son Neville Daniel Robinson, also known as “Lil Neville,” was born on April 29, 1992. Lil Neville, whom he loved dearly, was his light. He taught his son many things to become resourceful, as well as many life lessons. He taught him how to ride a bike, to swim (wearing his embarrassing Speedos, according to Lil Neville), and how to fix and build things. He showed him more than he could tell him about how a man shows up for his family and others he loves. Over the past decade, he and Lil Neville would complete numerous contracting jobs together. Something for which he was so proud.

In 1994, Neville would later meet his helpmate, his joy, Arie Crawford. Arie and Neville married on May 30, 1997. Arie, one of 11 children, provided Neville with love and a second family, who cherished him. He and Arie would often travel with family and enjoyed hosting events over the years. She enjoyed dancing with him and watching him dance, mesmerized by his energy and zest for life.

Neville was a family man who spoke to one or more of his brothers and sisters every day. He checked on friends and family when they were sick and still found time to cut a family member’s grass or attend a volleyball game or special event for one of his nieces or nephews. When there was a family reunion, which we had many of in the early years, he would be the first to show up, and often one of the last to leave.

He enjoyed cooking, often creating staple dishes like porridges and soups. He considered himself a grill master, excelling at grilling meat and fish. An avid gardener and fisherman, he took great pride in sharing the bounty of his harvest with family, neighbors, and friends. He was also an excellent swimmer and loved the outdoors, with fishing being his favorite hobby. To stay in shape, he enjoyed riding his bicycle over long distances. Listening to good music was another passion of his; whether at a club, a birthday party, or a wedding reception, he could always be found on the dance floor. He had a strong interest in football, soccer, and cricket, and he also enjoyed playing dominoes!

In retirement, he had the opportunity to pursue more of his passions—fishing, gardening, building projects, and spending quality moments with family. And did we mention that he loved fishing?

Neville was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Laurel Bryce, also known as “Sister Cooley,” Euriel Robinson, and Ina Irving. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Arie Robinson; his son, Neville D. Robinson; and his siblings: Ruby, Joyce, Gloria, Iris, Lou, Celestine, Julius (Merva), Lascelle (Luella), Trevor (Judith), and Jean (Glen). Additionally, he leaves behind a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched in countless ways.

If he were here right now, he would be beaming with joy at the outpouring of love from everyone. His bright smile and twinkling brown eyes would convey a sense of having a delightful secret all to himself. He would be making rounds, giving his signature hearty, sometimes headlock hugs that you would feel lingering for days afterwards.

It was no secret that we loved him and appreciated him beyond what mere words could genuinely express. To say he will always be remembered is an understatement; we will forever carry him in our hearts.

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