Theadore (Ted) Joseph Robinson Jr, 67, of Union, Il passed away on December 7, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born June 11, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio to Marjorie and Theadore Robinson. Ted grew up with a deep appreciation for stories, adventure, and the simple joys of life. On March 7, 1987, he married Natalie Adams, beginning a partnership filled with fun, laughter, and family.
Ted started life working for Pepsi as a delivery driver. He then began a career of over 30 years as a Pressman for the Northwest Herald Newspaper. He later traded that for crisscrossing the country in a semi-truck with his beloved dog Buffy at his side. A true adventure, traveling America's highways and taking in everything the country had to offer. When home, Ted liked to take it easy. Most weekends he could be found sitting on the couch watching football or golf, often with Buffy sitting beside him. It would not be uncommon to find him outside on a nice day wearing one of his favorite Harley-Davidson or Oakland Raiders t-shirts sitting in the sun reading a Stephen King book or any book for that matter. One time as a kid, he wanted a quiet place to read and ended up in the back seat of the family car with the car doors open. Sometimes he could be found just sitting in quiet contemplation. He was always ready for a trip to check out different golf courses with his brother Bob and his late brother-in-law Ricky. He was a collector of many things, but he took pride in his beer steins and toy cars. In his retirement Ted enjoyed spending time in the Wisconsin Dells where he had made many memories with his family over the years. In his earlier years he spent a lot of time camping and fishing with his siblings in Wilmington, Illinois.
Ted had a special kindness within him, and he was always happy to help if someone needed a hand. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be remembered for his smile, his warmth, humor, a generous spirit that touched all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Natalie Robinson of Union, Il, his children, Nicole Ryan of Hendersonville, NC, T.J. Robinson and Shealynn Robinson both of Union, Il. Eight grandchildren; David, Marissa, Senny, Noah, Jonah, Prestin, Isabelle and Amaya, one great-grandchild, Soli; and his siblings Barbara (Al) Majkrzak of Menifee, CA, Robert (Anita) Robinson of Owasso, OK and Patricia (William) Carden of Graham NC. Nieces and nephews, David (Amanda) Majkrzak, Shawn (Shaylin) Robinson, Kelly Robinson, Stacie (Paul) Ahrens, Caitlyn Ahrens, Justin (Kali) Mitsven, and Emily Adams.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Joshua Ryan, his niece Jaclyn Robinson and his brother-in-law Ricky.
Ted’s family and friends will forever hold his memory close, grateful for the time shared and the legacy of love he leaves behind.
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held in summer of 2026 where all out of state friends and family can attend.
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
No condolences were found.