December 3, 2021
Robinson, John
“I’ve never met anyone quite like John”, is the prevailing thematic we hear most often. A man unmatched in his sharp wit, presence, and his strong but well-researched opinions about, well, just about anything.
John Charles Robinson of Dover, Massachusetts, passed away on December 1st, 2021, following a 5-month battle with the blood cancer MDS and multiple complications from the disease. Filled with humor and sharpness of mind throughout his illness, his diagnosis only gave him new jokes to add to his repertoire.
Born March 26, 1969, he grew up in Newark, Delaware, attending St. Marks High School and later the University of Delaware, where his father Charles E. Robinson was a long-tenured professor of English and an equally gifted writer and storyteller. John studied Journalism in college, working late nights to make deadlines for the college newspaper and at various summer reporter jobs in and around Delaware where he honed his skills at concise but entertaining writing, always under pressure. These skills served him well as he moved to Boston to pursue his career and later excel in the field of advertising and marketing.
John was most recently the Chief Creative Officer of Fidelity Investments, headquartered in Boston, where he led the internal agency’s efforts to help customers and clients learn about their leading products and services in places like TV and via digital channels and advisor locations. He is credited with always leading with authenticity and customers’ most important personal needs in mind; responsibly driving improved business performance while encouraging his team to “make cool shit that works”; and expertly evolving Fidelity’s brand and advertising campaigns through the use of some pretty great 80’s and 90’s music. Prior to joining Fidelity in 2015, John was a Creative Director at the global agency Digitas, also based in Boston. He traveled the world working with exciting brands over his 16-year tenure, and it was here that he met his wife Jodi and fell deeply in love during their temporary re-location working in London. They eventually moved back to Boston, married, and started their family. Jodi remains at Digitas to this day as now CEO.
John is frequently pictured praying (that is, holding a fish) on a river or what he called “his temple”. Apologies when those pictures do not reveal his shockingly beautiful silver hair and steely-blue eyes under a hat and sunglasses, but the smile is always unmistakable.
His list of other interests was as long as his fishing tales were tall: a phenomenal self-taught cook, tech geek, video gamer, music savant, news junkie, sports fan, general outdoorsman and hopeless dog lover. But his children — Ava and Locke – were his greatest creation and love by far. He combined all his great loves to put on the best BBQ, Super Bowl party, and Holiday celebrations. He planned epic family and friend vacations to places near and far, from jungle rainforests and remote beaches around the world; to places of great natural beauty nationally spanning Arizona and Montana to New England treasures like Mt. Washington, NH, and Vermont; and most recently, enjoyed spending time at a new summer vacation home in Edgartown, Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard, where future generations of Robinsons will gather.
John is deeply missed by his wife Jodi, daughter Ava, and son Locke Robinson of Dover, MA. He is the beloved son of Peggy (Charles) Falls of Williamsburg, VA. He is predeceased by his father Charles E. (Nannette) Robinson of Arden, DE. Brother of Clare K. Robinson of Philadelphia, PA. Best friend to the coolest, funniest, most generous friends on the planet. Robinson dogs Tippet and Bix are keeping family guard until they can meet again.
A Celebration of Life ceremony is being planned for early next year, when those who knew, worked, and loved John are invited to remember him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider: making a donation to Horizons for Homeless Children at https://horizonschildren.org/, where a dear friend leads efforts to shine the spotlight and raise funds for one of the most well-run and much-needed non-profits in the Boston area; or, getting involved as a potential bone marrow registry or stem cell donor or through financial support of BeTheMatch.org. John was not well enough to receive his life-saving transplant, but another child, woman, or beautiful curmudgeon of a man will be, and they need you.
Comments(41)
Man, look at that face. Did anyone love life more than Johnny Rob? Rest in peace, pal. We will never forget you.
This is the best obit I have ever read – I’m looking at you Jodi Robinson. I met him once, and was taken by his sincerity. May God embrace his soul, and comfort his family during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace John. We all loved you.
Such a kind co-worker, he was a beautiful Soul. Prayers and meditations for the family.
I know that joy can’t ever be lost, but it sure feels like the world is a bit less joyful without John. My sympathy and prayers go out to Jodi and the family.
Many fond memories of working with John. Such a wonderful person! RIP! Hoho
My heart is broken. We’ve lost someone wonderful.
Heaven gained an angel! Wishing his Jodi and your beautiful family peace. You all were his #1
John and I worked together at Bronner Slosberg Humphrey and he always had that smile bordering on smirk for me as he submitted the expense reports. He was just kind , fun and so smart. We didn’t keep in close touch – but he is unforgettable ! Love
My sincerest condolences to Jodi and his family. What a guy! He loved life and exhibited in his exuberant spirit. I can hear his laugh as we exchanged silly greetings to each other. My heart is heavy yet heaven has one beautiful soul. Rest in heavenly hugs!
I have many things to say about John Robinson. I’ll limit myself to one of the many lessons he taught me. This one, in particular, was from both Jodi and John. The Robinsons have a sign hanging over the fireplace that is a lit-up YES. I asked about it and they explained that they have to say “no” to their young children (for safety) but this was a reminder to say YES as much as possible. Say YES. John definitely said YES all the time and lived a very full life that he shared with many of us. We are so lucky he said YES.
What a beautiful tribute to John. So very sorry for your and your children’s loss. Life can be be greatly unfair to take such a kind and radiant much person away much too soon. Wishing you and your family strength, and comfort.
Wonderful obituary for an extraordinary man who is gone way too soon. You are at peace now and are loved and will be missed by many, including your cousin Betty. Love and Hugs to your precious family.
John, you will be missed dearly.
Sending my love to your family. May the wonderful memories you have of him, carry you through this difficult time.
Travel well into your next existence John. Your spirit accomplished what it set out to do here and everyone that was fortunate enough to meet you had good time added to their lives. Thank you.
Dear Jodi…
I never had the pleasure of meeting John. I wish I had. But I had retired back in 2002. What I do know is that from the very beginning, BSH had the good fortune of attracting the most incredible people. Possibly it was the lack of patience with anything less than perfection. The company joke about all the window blinds needing to be at the exact same level contained an infectious truth. Please give my condolences to your family for me. Hopefully, we will have time to chat at the next BSH/Digitas reunion. With sympathy, Mike
John was such an amazing person and a huge influence on my career. I will always treasure my memories of him as a writer, leader and all-around-awesome human being. All my love, sympathy and strength to Jodi and the kids!
I had the pleasure of working with John around 2000 – 2001. He was always funny and smart and a joy to be around. He was loved by just about everyone who worked with him. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
John’s spirit and kindness will live on because when we think of him, we’ll smile and will be inspired to be as good a person as he was.
What a beautiful tribute to a man I never had the privilege of meeting, but feel like I know by way of the countless unicorns who called him friend and hold a piece of him within themselves. Jodi, you have an army behind you. We are lifting you up right now and holding your beautiful family in our hearts. Please accept my sincerest condolences and hugs from afar. I’d add “may his memory be a blessing,” but it already is and will continue to be. Xo.
I am so sorry for your loss Jodi. You and your children, as well as your husband, are in my prayers.
The Robinson’s are life long friends growing up on Kells Ave in Newark DE. John was a ring leader! My heart breaks for his family, Peggy and Clare. We rekindled our friendship a few years back through a shared love of the outdoors. Here’s to hoping the water runs deep and the fishing’s good in heaven. RIP My Friend!
I’m so sorry to hear this. John was the first person I worked with at Digitas years ago. So bright and full of life. My heart goes to Jodi and their children.
From my few brief interactions with John, I can confirm that everyone of his many attributes highlighted in this obituary that is as masterful as it is moving, to be true. John was a raconteur who’s passion and experience on all manner of things from travel to technology enriched every conversation. The love he and Jodi shared also burst through in a way that simply could not be contained. John Robinson was a rare light in the world that cannot be extinguished, only dimmed, by his passing.
It is my loss for sure not to have met you John. Knowing your mom and stepdad tells me you were raised with the best possible values. What an important man you were in this world. Until the next when I meet you in heaven. I’m sure God has fish there for you to enjoy catching. Fishers of men huh! Rest in peace.
How lucky am I to have known and befriended a man like John. How lucky are we all that he brought us all such joy. The tribute to him is just perfect. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jodi and your family. Gone too soon.
Although my interactions with John at Fidelity were infrequent, when I was involved with him, it was always memorable and thought provoking. He was the leading force behind the brand and shall be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with him. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.
This is so heart breaking. John!!!!! No!!!! You were one of my favorite bosses of all time! 1999-2000 Digitas Boston. You will be missed. Jodi and your children were so blessed to have you. My heart goes out to your families.
I worked with John at Digitas. But it never felt like work. John had a playful enthusiasm for everything. He made it fun. He was smart, funny, kind, and generous. We lost someone very special. But the world is a better place for having had John in it.
I’ve had the privilege to work and fish with John, and I can say both were a pleasure. I am forever grateful for him taking the time to teach me how to fly fish. Holly might not have been as appreciative of me fishing on Mother’s Day, but it was a long lasting joke that we still laugh about today. Rest In Peace, John. You will be missed.
So very sorry for your loss. I worked with John at Digitas and then again as a client at athenahealth. His energy and joy were unmatched. Thinking of you, Jodi, and your beautiful kids.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with John at Digitas and he was always so kind, funny and so great to work with. My best wishes to you all.
Godspeed, John.
Michelle and I were talking about how much fun with had with John and Jodi on a 4th of July weekend in Wellfleet back in the day. John was always up for anything and such a genuine person. I still hear his voice ringing in my ear teasing me about being the “mayor of Wellfleet”. We feel lucky to have counted John as a friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences to Jodi and family. John was a true gent, funny and had doses of kindness. Sending love.
As a fellow ad guy, He was an absolute pleasure to work with, and even more fun to have a beer/lunch with. Always extremely insightful, and respectful, he will be missed.
We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed a beautiful day on Chappy meeting you both, and Locke, this past summer. Some people are so genuine and engaging, that you can recognize how truly special they are in a single meeting. That was our impression of John. We feel privileged to have met him and witnessed first hand his adoration for you and your children.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of John and the huge hole that’s been left in our worlds. I learned so much from John and there was no one I lived to enjoy a beer with more than him. His energy, spirit and huge heart infused my life well beyond our Digitas days. Always checking in to say hello, sympathize with many facebook posts or empathize through words of wisdom. He enriched lives. I hope you are finding strength in family and friends, Jodi. Sending so much love.
My heart goes out to Jodi, the kids, and John’s friends and family. One thing I remember fondly about John was the record he held at Digtas for the most unopened emails, in the thousands. A truly creative and inspirational man in so many ways. My sincerest condolences.
John is one of the funnest people I ever worked with, and one of my favorite people in the world to fish with. I am heartbroken for Jodi, Ava and Locke. Sending lots of love.
When I think about the time I had working with John at Digitas, I remember how special his relationships were with his favorite co-workers. The running inside jokes, the looks of are we really taking this seriously? in serious meetings. etc made the place light up. He once pulled us through a weeks’-long, arduous project with his never-ending humor, reminding us that we were still humans temporarily cast in a comedy, if we just kept the right perspective. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing, knowing how much he enjoyed *all of this* and those he loved and got to share it with. May his memory be for a blessing. Josh
John would have approved this copy. It is impossible for me to think of my time at SIG/Digitas without recalling working with John. I had previously been in management consulting, so the discipline of Creative was new for me to work with – and boy, was I spoiled working with John. His first take was excellent, but never being satisfied, his edits made the work sing. Jodi, I am so very sorry for your loss.