Lloyd Samuel Robinson
March 8, 1926-Dec. 13, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Lloyd Samuel "Sam" Robinson passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, in Palo Alto, California, at the age of 98.

Sam was born on March 8, 1926, in Bellaire, Ohio, to Cecil C. Robinson and Georgia McConnell Robinson. An excellent student and a standout athlete at Bellaire High School, Sam captained the Bellaire Big Reds football team and earned the nickname “Crazy Legs” for his elusive running style. Sam also competed in track events, including sprints, relays, and hurdles. At a track meet during his sophomore year, Olympic legend Jesse Owens praised Sam’s running abilities—a memory he cherished throughout his life.

After graduating in 1944, Sam served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II. He fought in Germany and was assigned to a machine gun squad that advanced rapidly to cut off enemy forces. In April 1944, he was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery.

Following the end of World War II, Sam attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he earned a degree in business administration in 1950. While at Denison, he joined Beta Theta Pi fraternity, edited the campus literary magazine, and was recognized for his contributions to journalism and writing.

Sam began his professional career with DuPont in Martinsville, Virginia, before moving to San Francisco in 1954 to work for Hallmark Cards. He later joined Allstate Insurance, where he worked for 37 years in Menlo Park.

In 1959, Sam married Joan Breckenridge. Sam and Joan settled in Palo Alto in 1961 and raised two children, Breck and Amy. Sam was also a proud grandfather to Claire, Will, and Tommy.

A dedicated volunteer, Sam gave generously of his time to organizations such as the Stanford Blood Bank, the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto, the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto, and the Palo Alto Police Department.

Sam’s passions included his family, his beloved dog “Buck” (named for the Ohio State Buckeyes), traveling with Joan to all seven continents except Antarctica, playing golf, reading avidly, mowing his lawn, and walking daily well into his late 90s.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ecumenical Hunger Program, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.

Sam’s legacy of kindness and service will be remembered by all who knew him.

Tags: veteran, business, public service