Craig M. Robinson Dies At 53

Craig M. Robinson

North Sea Fire Commissioner Craig M. Robinson, a 35-year veteran and ex-chief of the North Sea Fire Department, died on January 28 at Southampton Hospital with his family at his side. He was 53 and known for his commitment to the community and devotion to his family.

Mr. Robinson was born and raised in Southampton, attended Southampton High School, graduating in 1975. He married Debra Edgar on September 13, 1980.

As a fixture at the North Sea Fire Department, he was a key figure in its success, according to colleague. He worked as an advisor to the department’s Junior Firefighter program for 23 years while he serving as an active member of the department. He was also a marine mechanic at Peconic Marina in Southampton, which is owned by his father-in-law, Bill Edgar.

Mr. Robinson is survived by his wife, Debra; sons, Brian and Kyle; his parents, George Martin Robinson and his wife Sandra, and Evelyn Barnett; brothers, Kevin and his wife Joanne, Michael and his wife Audra, and Christopher and his wife Jacqueline; sisters, Deborah McKay and her husband Bruce, Kathleen Fiore and her husband Richard, and Tina; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anne and Bill Edgar; his sister-in-law Dale Phillips; his brother-in-law Derrick and Kate Edgar; and many nieces and nephews.

“The miles that might have separated us physically definitely didn’t separate us spiritually,” said Diana Sawyer, a friend of the Robinson family. Sawyer’s family was close to the Robinsons when she was younger. “When I think of Craig all I can see is that big mischievous Robinson smile that he had,” she said.

Visitation was at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton on Monday, January 31, and on Tuesday, February 1. A firematic service took place Tuesday evening at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be held today, Wednesday, February 2, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Southampton, followed by interment at Southampton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Sea Fire Department Scholarship Fund in memory of Craig M. Robinson, P.O. Box 1312, Southampton, NY 11969.