[UPDATED] Delano Catherine Hadley Robinson, widow of 1936 Olympic track star Matthew “Mack” Robinson and older brother of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, died on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
She was 88. According to her family, Delano’s death was not related to COVID-19.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 2 at Mountain View Cemetery, 2400 N. Fair Oaks, Ave., Altadena.
A native of Thomasville, Georgia, and eighth of 15 children, Delano was Homecoming Queen at her High School in 1951.
She settled in Pasadena and married Mack Robinson in 1955. The couple had six children: Wayne Robinson, Kathy Robinson Young, Betty Robinson Coleman, William Robinson, Rose Robinson, and Edward Robinson.
They also raised Mack’s children: Kenney Robinson, Phillip Robinson, Donald Robinson, and Lorraine Robinson Hicks.
As a longtime member of Scott United Methodist Church, Delano sang with the church choir.
Socially, and alongside Mack, she enjoyed volunteering at the Arco Jesse Owens Games, and the Special Olympics Southern California. Delano also attended many events which promoted the Dodgers/MLB and Team USA Olympics.
Delano’s career was in nursing, where the experience she attained assisted her in taking care of her beloved husband until his death on March 12, 2000.
Mack helped destroy Hitler’s theory of Aryan superiority at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin when he finished 0.4 seconds behind Jesse Owens, bringing home a Silver Medal.
According to Mack, Owens received new track shoes before the event which gave him an advantage.
Mack’s brother, Jackie, later broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
“Delano Robinson loved her city,” according to her daughter Kathy Robinson Young.
Delano represented her family several times, in Pasadena’s Black History Parade.
In 2012, the Pasadena Journal recognized Delano Robinson, as one of the “Women of Achievement in Pasadena.”
Delano Robinson leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, family, and friends to cherish her memory,” Robinson Young said.
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2 thoughts on “Delano Robinson, Wife of Mack Robinson, Dies at 88”
My sympathy to the Hadley and Robinson families.
May the happy memories of Delano Robinson be a blessing to her family and friends. Mack and Jackie were lucky to have her in their lives. Amen.