Francis D. Robinson Obituary

Francis D. "Frank" ROBINSON, also known as "Butch" growing up, 83, of Elmira, NY, died Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in his home.

Born August 27, 1942, in Elmira, he was the son of Francis H. Robinson and Virginia Hill Robinson Kakretz. A 1960 graduate of Southside High School, he spent his summers growing up on a family farm, and he served honorably in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1962 – 1965. Frank owned and operated AV-Installs for many years, and Video Scan and Smile TV in the years before. After retiring, he developed an affinity to Mahayana Buddhism and became the first SGI District Men's Division Leader in Elmira.

Surviving are: two children, Joli Robinson of Edison, NJ, and Scott Robinson of Lafayette, CO; two grandchildren, Samantha Robinson of Boise, ID and Colton Robinson of Milliken, CO; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Karen Schoonmaker and Lori Nestor; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Karl F. Kakretz. Frank's life was filled with many family and friends but three women, Martha Jacker-Robinson (ex wife), Yim Duen (ex wife, deceased), and Marion Ruiz (deceased), all had a special place in his heart and played significant roles in shaping his life.

Burial will be in Knowlton Cemetery, Gaines, PA. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.