It is with heavy hearts that the family of George Eugene “Red” Robinson announces his passing March 23, 2025, at the age of 68. He was a loving husband of 45 years and devoted father and cherished grandfather.
Red was born Aug. 10, 1956, in the Bronx, New York; he later moved with his family to Hazlet. He graduated from Raritan High School in 1974 and furthered his education with studies at Brookdale Community College and Lincoln Tech. He then went on to work at General Motors in Linden for 15 years on the assembly line.
In 1987, he left GM and started a new career at the Oceanport Post Office as a letter carrier. He worked at the post office for 33 years, retiring in December 2020. During his time in Oceanport, he was also an auxiliary member of the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Fire Department as a volunteer.
Red was predeceased by his parents, George (2012) and Joan (2013) Robinson and his son Daniel “Danny” George (2017). Danny was not only his best friend but his lifelong fishing partner, whom he missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Schluter Robinson; his daughter Jennifer Gallagher (and James, his “favorite son-in-law”); his three beloved grandchildren, Nathan, Emma and James Daniel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joseph and Debra Schluter; George Schluter; sister-in-law Giovanna; nephews Mickey and Andy; niece Simone; and his godson/nephew Guy.
Gene had a passion for cooking. His gourmet-inspired meals consistently left taste buds wanting more. He loved to read and would normally have a book in his hand. A lifelong sports fan, Red loved the Dallas Cowboys.
Above all, Red’s legacy was that of an avid fisherman. He was one with the water, caught many a fish, and enjoyed spending time fishing with his son Danny. Many summer family vacations were spent on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. If there is one thing to know about Gene, there is not one memory that doesn’t relate back to fishing. He enjoyed many adventures on the big water with his fishing buddies, Allen, George, John and Eric, among many others. Up until the end, he was getting on the water. His last fishing adventure was shared this past summer with his daughter, doppelganger grandson James Daniel, and dearest family friend Nicholas Fragale.
Even though his biggest fish got away, Marie, his wife of 45 years, was his greatest catch ever. In August 1979, George met the love of his life while on a camping trip. A year later, he married his “sun goddess” in October 1980. Shortly after, they settled down in a beach town and started a family.
Marie, Jennifer and Danny were Gene’s world; he had a hard shell but was a softy for his family, especially his girls. In 2021, Gene was diagnosed with cancer. He immediately started treatment to have the best quality of life and be able to spend as much time with his family and grandkids as he could. Throughout his treatment, Gene fought hard and went on many adventures. Marie was by his side every step of the way. She made every doctor’s appointment, took care of him when he was sick and took him on adventures when he was well. The rest was devoted to making sure he lived life to its fullest and was well taken care of. She was his advocate, day in and day out. As the battle got harder and the days got longer, Gene put on a brave face and kept casting out his line, but on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in the quiet evening hours in his home with his girls by his side, Gene reeled in his last fish.
The family would like to thank all the family and friends who have reached out during this difficult time, the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Gene underwent all his treatments, the VNA staff and home health aides, and the hospice staff who were there in the end.
Visitation and a service were held March 29 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to nonprofit Clean Ocean Action at cleanoceanaction.org or Memorial Sloan Kettering at giving.mskcc.org in his memory.
The article originally appeared in the April 3 – 10, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
