Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 16, 2026

Wayne Robinson passed away after a sudden illness on May 16, 2026, surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Diane, and his eldest daughter, Melissa. He was born on April 21, 1953 to Donald Robinson and Gloria (Abrahamson) Robinson in Euclid, Ohio.  Gloria passed away when he was 5 years old leaving him and his brother, Brian, heartbroken.  Wayne was lucky to have another loving mother, Elizabeth (Donovan) Robinson when Donald remarried in 1960.  This also gave him a joyful sister, Mary (McGory) who shared many laughs and special times with Wayne and Brian over the years.

Wayne graduated from Glen Rock High School in New Jersey in 1971. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland.  He met his loving wife, Diane (Layton), in 1971 through mutual friends. They had an instant connection and began a fun and loving courtship before being married in 1974.  Shortly thereafter, he began a career as a tax analyst.  He used Six Sigma methodology early in his career to understand and improve tax systems.  His experience in systems evaluation and improvement led to managerial positions and a long career at IBM before he became a consultant for several companies including Ernst and Young and KPMG.  His career brought several moves but each were made easy because Wayne and Diane grounded the family in love and support. Wayne retired in 2020 to fulfill his true passion of being Grandpa, Pa, and PaPa to his grandchildren.  He loved reading books to his granddaughters Maddie, Allie, and Emmie.  He enjoyed traveling to watch his grandchildren, Hannah and Noah, play golf and Christopher play baseball.  He watched with immense joy and pride as his grandchildren followed their passion and developed confidence. 

While Wayne valued his professional success, his greatest pride was always his family and watching his children try new things and expand their talents – whether it was music, dance, or sports. Wayne created an environment for his children where they could learn and grow on the field with him as their coach. He enjoyed serving as the Commissioner of the Park Ridge Athletic Association and became a steward of youth activities. He ensured children had opportunities to participate in a variety of sports focused on having fun, understanding the importance of teamwork, and building confidence.  He coached numerous sports when his children were young and was a fixture on the sidelines with his camera at his grandchildren' s events.  

Wayne loved spending time with his family and took thousands of pictures of their shenanigans at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and the countless special times on Catawba Island. Wayne loved being on the boat, but he found true joy in the laughter between siblings and cousins, loud conversations in the kitchen, grandchildren playing together, and the connection between generations. He documented these moments faithfully, taking thousands of photographs and videos that now serve as treasured reminders of the love and happiness he created.   

After retirement, Wayne was able to devote more time to woodworking and golf — two of his two favorite hobbies that helped him connect with his children and grandchildren.  In retirement, he worked part time at Rockler Woodworking and was constantly creating special furniture for his grandchildren and working on house projects with his children and Diane.  He also volunteered with his local church to support people facing food insecurity.  In his spare time he also enjoyed traveling with Diane, including spending their 50th wedding anniversary traveling across Europe. Wayne and Diane were planning their next Europe vacation.

Wayne was a friend, advocate, and coach in all of his work and hobbies.  He enjoyed getting to know people and sharing laughs. He loved dancing and singing loudly with his family.  Wayne instilled his children with a hardworking and never-give-up mentality, but most importantly put family first and always be proud of their achievements. Those lessons have become the foundation of the lives they have built and part of the lasting legacy he leaves behind.  While his family and friends are heartbroken, they are comforted by the pictures and videos he diligently took over the years to chronicle their love and joy.  His advocacy for children to have a happy and healthy childhood is an enduring example for his children, grandchildren, and the communities he served.  Wayne’s memory is an inspiration and reminder to appreciate every moment with family, understand the importance of community, and take lots of pictures. 

Wayne will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of more than 51 years, Diane Robinson; his children, Keith Robinson and wife Elizabeth of Williston, Vermont, Kevin Robinson and wife Stephanie of Charlotte, Michigan, Melissa Robinson of Durham, North Carolina, and Meghan McKee and husband Steven of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Christopher, Noah, Madison, Alexandra, and Emilia.

Wayne is further survived by his brother, Brian Robinson and wife Debbie of Middletown, New York; his sister, Mary McGory and husband Ken of Port Washington, New York; brothers-in-law Brad Layton and wife Melanie of Punta Gorda, Florida, Drew Layton of Canton, Ohio, Todd Layton and wife Thuy of Plano, Texas, and Wade Layton and wife Marie of Montclair, New Jersey; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, including Patrick, Danny, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Zachary, Ken, Scott, Devon, Dana, Alicia, Christina, Emma, and Mia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his precious grandson, Colin Robinson.

A celebration of Wayne will take place on Saturday June 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. In lieu of flowers, please support local youth activities or make a donation in memory of Wayne Robinson and Colin Robinson to the Pediatric Palliative Care Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital at University of Vermont Health (https://give.uvmhealth.org/events/575/donate).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.