Morise “Skip” Robinson, 83
Morise “Skip” Robinson passed away at home on May 20, 2026, at the age of 83, after a heroic eight-year battle with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Skip was born in Brooklyn, NY in September 1942, the older son of Henry and Elizabeth Robinson. He grew up in Somerville, MA where his father was a physician with a successful family practice and clinic, and his mother, an operating room nurse, became the heart of a devoted family home. Her sister, Margaret Gregg, was also a beloved and steady presence in the household. Skip graduated from Belmont Hill School and went on to get his B.A. at Bowdoin College, where he formed life-long friendships, and became an ardent hockey player. Above all, he loved the beauty, rhythm, and precision of the English language. He later earned a Master of Arts in English Literature at Boston University, a path that led him to teach at Bentley College and Brandeis University and, later in life, to publish several books of fiction.
Skip’s professional life was anchored in the boating industry, a world he loved from an early age. He treasured memories of boating with his father and his family while growing up in Boston and spending summers on Cape Cod. After his father’s death in 1968, Skip owned and operated Onset Bay Marina, a full-service marina and repair yard in Onset, Massachusetts for twenty years, building enduring friendships with loyal customers, colleagues, and friends along the way. It was there that he met his beloved wife of 43 years, Annie, who joyfully joined him in the many ventures and adventures they shared. Skip became widely respected as a leader in the boating industry and was active in numerous trade organizations. His varied and accomplished career included leading the Palmer Johnson Yachts refit and new construction yard in Savannah and Malta, serving on the management teams at Hodgdon Yachts and Southport Boats in Maine, working as a yacht broker for Merle Wood and Associates in Fort Lauderdale, and also working as a business consultant and real estate developer.
He embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid snow skier; he and Annie shared memorable trips to the slopes of Maine, New Hampshire, resorts throughout the West, and even South America. They also loved kayaking at Grand Lake Stream in Maine, and at Lake Greenwood in South Carolina. He delighted in watching Tom Brady play football and sharing the highlights of the games with his daughter, Candace. Skip swam as often as possible at the Wardle Family YMCA. His cancer diagnosis in 2018 slowed him but never diminished his determination. He loved Ella Fitzgerald, all things opera, and faithfully attended summer performances of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Skip was predeceased by his outgoing daughter from his first marriage, Candace Nicole Vieira. He is survived by his adoring wife, Annie; his granddaughter Lexus Robinson- Matthews and his great-grandson Keanu Anthony of New Bedford, Massachusetts; his brother Dr. Donald Robinson and his wife Caroline of Colorado Springs, Colorado, their four children; and his two German Shepherds Zoe and Nadia.
Skip is remembered for his quick wit, engaging smile, generous spirit and gift for mentoring others. In his later years, he reconnected with his Catholic upbringing, which gave him strength and comfort; he was confirmed in 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaufort, South Carolina. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church on Lady’s Island on Wednesday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Palmetto Animal League of Okatie.
Skip’s ashes will be interred in the family plot in Newton Cemetery, Newton, Massachusetts. The family is planning a Celebration of Life in September.
Please share your thoughts and stories about Skip by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com
Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Robinson family with arrangements.
