Obituary: Scott Robinson
Scott Robinson, 64, of Ashtabula, Ohio, a business man of 40 years, died at home on Dec. 15, 2014, with his family at his side. Robinson was born Feb. 14, 1950, in Ashtabula to John and Dorothy McMahon Robinson. He was the great-grandson of MC Robinson who founded MC Robinson Coal Co., a family business for more than 80 years and later led by his grandfather Russell Robinson, father John Robinson, and Uncle Milton Robinson. He worked at the business until it was sold in 1980, serving many roles including truck driver and salesman.
Robinson graduated high school in 1968 from General McLane in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, and attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He also studied in Mexico and traveled extensively in Latin America. In 1974, Robinson married his wife of more than 40 years, Patti Huels. Together, they raised their children, Clover and Paige Robinson, while forging their lives in the community.
Robinson, along with his longtime partner, David Pinelli, opened Apple Heating in 1985, contracting in heating, air conditioning, and related products. Together, they grew a small company of two men and a van to a successful business employing more than 35 men and women. Robinson served as president of Apple Heating, and, in 2010, became the sole owner. Robinson prided himself in offering superior customer service and employee training and strived to raise the standards for the industry. He led Apple Heating to many awards and community recognitions along with his right-hand man and service manager, Stan Zwaduk. In 2012, Apple Heating was awarded “Best in the County” in the small business category through the Growth Partnership of Ashtabula County.
Over the years, Robinson served in various leadership roles, committees, speaking engagements, and business networks throughout the community. He was a past board member of After School Discovery, the Ashtabula County Builders Association, and the local chamber of commerce. He was a past president of the Ohio Chapter of Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) in Columbus in 2005. Robinson was also the past president of the Buckeye Builders Chapter of BNI and past president of the Ashtabula County Builders Association. He belonged to ACCA Ohio, ACCA Ohio North East Chapter, and Service Roundtable. He served as a mentor to many in both the HVAC industry and outside. He truly believed by raising standards and practices for all, the customer and the community would benefit. He generously shared his knowledge, experience, and guidance.
Robinson was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Robinson. Surviving at home are his wife Patti; daughter, Clover (Andre LaSalle); granddaughters, Amaris and Violet LaSalle; daughter, Paige Robinson; and granddaughter, Emmaline Robinson-Stecki and her father, Luke Stecki of Ashtabula; brothers, Calvin (Fran) Robinson of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, Marc (Gloria) Robinson of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Quentin (Jennifer) Robinson of Pittsburgh; sister, Annette Brun (Philippe) of Bahama, North Carolina; Uncle Milton (Elaine) Robinson of Kingsville, Ohio; Aunt Mary Robinson of Durham, North Carolina; and his many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to United Way of Ashtabula County, 2801 C Court #3, Ashtabula, Ohio, 44004; to www.unitedwayashtabula.org; or to Hospice of the Western Reserve 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio, 44004.
Publication date: 2/16/2015
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