William Herbert Robinson

William Herbert Robinson, 88, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife, Judy Neher, by his side. Born on March 4, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bill grew up in Southern California, where he attended Citrus Union High School in Azusa and loved playing baseball and spending time at the beach. After graduating from Brigham Young University, he went on to earn a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. On Sept. 5, 1959, Bill married Suzanne Margaret Wilson of Arcadia, California. Together they attended Brigham Young University and began building their family soon after Sue graduated. Their first child, Tamra Sue, was born shortly thereafter, followed by Steven William in Cambridge, Massachusetts while Bill was attending Harvard. Their youngest son, Randle Mitchell, was born in Alexandria, Virginia, after the family moved to the Washington area. Bill married Nancy Ann Pettis in 1979, and together they adopted their daughter, Diana Alicia, from Costa Rica when she was 5 years old. Bill devoted his life to public service and the strengthening of democratic institutions. During a distinguished career with the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, he rose to serve as deputy director, earning the respect of colleagues, lawmakers and parliamentary leaders around the world for his intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to non-partisan public service. Throughout his career, Bill believed deeply in the importance of democratic institutions and the role of legislatures in preserving freedom and representative government. His work took him beyond the halls of Congress, where he shared his expertise internationally and helped foster stronger parliamentary institutions in emerging democracies, particularly in Eastern Europe. Bill was fortunate to reunite with Judy Neher several years after Nancy’s death. High school sweethearts, they rekindled a long-ago friendship and romance and married in their seventies, sharing many happy years together. Beyond his work, Bill was passionate about serving others. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arlington, Virginia, where he devoted countless hours to his congregation and community. He especially enjoyed serving as an Ordinance Worker in the Temple and in helping others discover their family histories. Bill loved to travel, read and tend to his beautiful garden, where he delighted in watching the many birds and other creatures that made their home there. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity and the love he shared with family and friends. His children will especially remember his silly jokes, playful spirit and his endearing attempts to look cool. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his sister, Barbara Ritner; his children, Tamra, Steven and Diana; and his grandchildren: Samuel, Monica, Zachary, and Timothy Hurd, Aysha Sami Paxman and Adam, and Emma Sami, and James Robinson. He was preceded in death by his son, Randle Robinson; his former wives, Suzanne Robinshon and Nancy Ann Pettis; and his siblings, Gary Robinson and Deborah Farmer. A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1600 North Inglewood Street in Arlington, Virginia, on July 25 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends look forward to greeting guests at 10:00. Bill will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

William Herbert Robinson

March 4, 1938 - June 16, 2026