Robinson’s spirits lifted by show of support

Dave Robinson spent his years supporting students at Caesar Rodney and Cape Henlopen, and now those communities have come together to support him.

A biking accident in Lewes Oct. 21 left Robinson with a seriously injured spinal cord. He was airlifted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he underwent surgery and is now in recovery.

Robinson's son-in-law, William Crotty, said Robinson is in good spirits. Robinson's wife, Linda, is staying with him, and family members make daily trips to the hospital.

“We hope that he'll be able to get some movement back. He's had everything that can be done at this point,” Crotty said.

Crotty said he expects Robinson will be in Jefferson Hospital for awhile, and then he will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

The family has welcomed the outpouring of support from friends and the community.

“We're reading every email that has come in to Dave, and it's lifting his spirits,” Crotty said.

Robinson has roots in Lewes and moved back to the area in 2003 after spending a career of 36 years in the Caesar Rodney School District. He began as a teacher and then moved up through the ranks as principal of CR high school and eventually superintendent of the district. Caesar Rodney employees at each school gathered for photos Oct. 27, showing their support of Robinson.

In 2010, Robinson briefly came out of retirement to serve a one-year stint as interim superintendent for the Cape Henlopen School District after Superintendent George Stone left. Robinson also stayed active in school life by participating on district facilities task forces for a new Cape High and other building improvements.

“It's going to be a long road, but we're hopeful,” Crotty said.

Crotty asks that cards or any other show of support be sent to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes, DE 19958.