Published in the April 29, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Eleanor (Vittorini) Robinson, 89, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Saturday, April 23.
Eleanor was born and raised in Malden, she graduated from Malden High School and was the valedictorian of her senior class. Mrs. Robinson had been a resident of Melrose for the past 55 years. Eleanor worked as a Realtor first with her husband Bill at Robinson Real Estate in Malden, and then at Century 21 Sexton and Donahue in Melrose since 1985. She was also involved in politics with her husband Bill, who was a former State Representative. Mrs. Robinson also worked for her husband’s company START, which helped Republicans get elected throughout Massachusetts. She and Bill were members of the Melrose Republican Committee. They attended three Inaugural Balls in Washington, D.C. and three national conventions.
Eleanor was involved in the committee that welcomed First Lady Nancy Reagan to Massachusetts, was a member of the League of Women Voters, Zonta International and a member of the Board of Realtors in Massachusetts. She loved to entertain and enjoyed hosting Christmas Eve at her home every year. Eleanor also worked as a volunteer at the Malden Hospital. She was a very classy lady who will be missed by all who knew her.
Eleanor was the beloved wife of 65 years to the late William G. “Bill” Robinson. She was the devoted mother of Christina Robinson Davis and her husband Gregory J. Davis of Norwood and Matthew William Robinson of Castle Creek, N.Y. She was the loving grandmother of Kara, Evan, Taylor, Brayden and Gavyn Robinson. Alexander William Davis and Juliann DeForest and her husband Samuel DeForest V. She was the great-grandmother of Samuel DeForest VI and Miranda Young. She was the sister of Sylvia Cranfill of Malden, William J. Cavalieri of Medford, Paul E. Cavalieri of Malden, John Cavalieri of California and the late Frances Picardo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Eleanor’s funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St. Melrose, took place on Wednesday, April 27. A Mass of Christian Burial in Eleanor’s honor was held at St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 9 a.m. Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, April 26. Burial took place in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Therese “The Little Flower”, 1313 N. Frontage Rd., Darien IL 60561 or to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston MA 02241. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
