Greenwich Communities hosted a ceremony dedicating the new community room at Armstrong Court to the late Winston A. Robinson, a former resident, civil rights, community, and church leader, on Saturday, September 9. Nearly 100 attendees gathered in the newly named Winston A. Robinson Community Room to pay tribute to the legacy of Robinson, who passed away on January 26 earlier this year.
Anthony L. Johnson, CEO and Executive Director of Greenwich Communities, welcomed guests. “Winston touched everyone’s lives,” indicated by the impressive turnout. Robinson’s 35 years of service and commitment to the Town of Greenwich, Town of Greenwich Boards, civic organizations, and his church are qualities many admire. “He was a pillar of Armstrong Court and a person who gave love. The love he is receiving today from you all is just incredible,” commented Johnson.
“Winston was probably the most selfless person,’ remarked Town of Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo. “He never stopped loving his hometown of Greenwich, and he never stopped serving his hometown of Greenwich. What a fitting tribute to one of the great guys.”
Greenwich Communities Commissioner and Chairman Sam Romeo echoed Camillo’s praise of Robinson, “he always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anyone.” Romeo added, “Winston would be very humble about receiving this (honor),” to which many nodded in agreement.
Robinson’s sons, Jason Osborne and Alex Robinson were in attendance to honor their father, among other family members. Jason spoke of their deep appreciation for their father and the values he instilled in them. While deeply involved in many organizations, Robinson “never brought work home with him,” said Osbourne. An endearing “Winston” quality was his ability to connect with people. “No matter where we went in town, he would say hello, greet people, and always used the word ‘us’, ” he explained.
Also in attendance were the Town of Greenwich Board of Selectmen, members of the BET, Former First Selectman Peter Tesei, and former State Representative Livvy Floren.
Winston A. Robinson was a housing manager at the Greenwich Housing Authority, now known as Greenwich Communities. In addition, Winston also served as a member of the Greenwich Department of Human Services, where he chaired the Achievement Gap Task Force. This task force seeks to support children from low-income families in their first three years of life to help them avoid future academic struggles, which Winston believed in very strongly. Other organizations in Greenwich that benefited from Winston’s volunteerism include the American Red Cross Board, Barbara’s House (formerly CCI), the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, Greenwich Hospital, the Greenwich Scholarship Association, the Town of Greenwich Board of Parks and Recreation, the Transportation Association of Greenwich, the United Way of Greenwich, and many others.
