Nathaniel Robinson Sr., veteran, family man

Nathaniel “Nate” Robinson Sr., known by most as “Mr Nate,” passed away suddenly Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in his home that he shared with his grandson, Brooks D. Belle. He was a loving family man who enjoyed fishing, watching the New England Patriots, and being an honorary member of his son’s car club, Modded Familia. Pop Pop, as his favorite little people called him, also enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to love those same pastimes. 

Nathaniel was born May 31, 1954, in Rose Hill, N.C., to Macerine Robinson. He was the younger of her two children. The three of them would relocate to New Haven, Conn., in the ’60s. Nate attended Richard C. Lee High School and joined the U.S. Army upon graduating. In the Army, he was a certified flight mechanic as well as an auto mechanic. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Nate worked as a mechanic for an Army contractor before landing at Goodyear/Wing-foot. Nate worked as a mechanic and on-call tire tech for more than 25 years before moving to Delaware, where he would work for QSI for more than a decade.

Nathaniel was predeceased by his mother, Macerine Robinson; son, Johnnie L. Belle; and the love of his life, Patricia E. Belle. He leaves to mourn his sons, Nathaniel Robinson Jr. (Jessica) of Ellendale, and Darrell M. Belle (Shana) of Seaford; daughters, Deloris Hamlet of New Haven, Conn., and Yemana G. Belle (Mindy) of Lewes; his beloved big sister, Anne Robinson of New Haven; and niece and nephew, Treasa and Roger Robinson, both of New Haven. Nate also leaves behind his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a sister and brothers-in-law, all of whom he loved dearly! 

A service with military honors will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.