Dave Robinson
Memorial by Stan Rosenthal
Dave’s friend
This tribute is to a good man, Dave Robinson, also respectfully known as Preacher Dave. Dave was extensively involved in church activities as long as I've known him which is approximately 30 years. Dave was an usher at church. Once the men were seated he moved onto the stage as he was a member of the Gospel Messengers choral group. Dave answered every query into his health by saying he was blessed. He was always upbeat and tended to his brethren when they were down or experiencing some difficulty. He lived for the Church and was a true believer.
This is the more exceptional as he suffered many medical ailments. Each time he received a catastrophic medical diagnosis he followed doctors’ advice and remained cheerful and hopeful through every round of chemotherapy and radiation. It seems as soon as he rid himself of or had under control one type of cancer another would invade his body. I marveled at his attitude when he would describe all the diagnoses and treatments over the years. Never did I see him despair or lose faith in his religion.
I was crushed when parole denied his medical parole about six months ago. I know he was hurt inside from that decision but he weathered that horrible news by doubling down in his faith. He remained focused on his faith, family, and medical necessities until the end.
Although he suffered greatly from the many illnesses and treatments he passed away peacefully when he returned to his cell at noon after making one last phone call.
I feel Preacher Dave is where he wanted to be when the Lord called him. He spent decades spreading the Word. It gave Dave a mission in life and I think he was welcomed with open arms in his next adventure. On behalf of the multitude of confused young men he mentored I want to say thank you Preacher Dave for your care and concern for those needing some positive guidance in this madhouse.
Dave, your life had meaning to very many.
Peace
Stan Rosenthal, AS0828, SCI-Phoenix, PA
From Mourning Our Losses:
Dave Robinson passed away from a heart attack on March 20, 2021 while incarcerated at SCI-Phoenix, a state prison in Pennsylvania. According to his friend Stan Rosenthal, Dave was “upbeat and friendly to everyone” and had been incarcerated for 45-50 years. Stan and others will remember him fondly and miss him dearly.
