Mark D. Robinson passed away on July 11, 2026 at the age of 75. Mark was born in Manhattan to the late Irving and Jane (Brown) Rabinowitz. He leaves behind his loving wife Jacklyn (Johnson) and his son Brett. He also leaves his beloved sister Anne (Louis) Cruz, his mother-in-law Natalie (the late Leroy) Johnson, brothers-in-law William (Casey) Johnson and David (Heather) Johnson, as well as many dear nieces and nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends, near and far.

Mark was raised in Rockland County, New York and graduated from Spring Valley High School. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine and sailed the world for several years. He then partnered with three friends, and over nine years they built a 57’ Ferro Cement Sailing Ketch named “Perseverance”. During this time, he worked at the famous No Name restaurant on the Boston Fish Pier, while also sailing up and down the East Coast and throughout the Caribbean. After achieving his 500-ton Captain’s License, he and his wife Jacklyn moved to the British Virgin Islands where they operated charter sailing yachts for several years. He then continued his career as a captain on private sailing yachts and motor yachts. Over his fifty-year career, he mentored countless crew members, family and friends, and his knowledge and expertise still guide them today. A skilled cabinet maker, mechanic, shipwright and prudent Captain, he was a known expert on Little Harbor 60’s, a Ted Hood design. Upon retirement, the family moved to their cottage on The Gurnet, an off-grid community at the end of Duxbury Beach.

A wonderful raconteur, Mark loved nothing more than when a group of family or friends, “The Gurnet Gang”, were gathered on the deck of the cottage, enjoying the view and delicious food, and telling stories - tales of the sea, and a lifetime of adventure.

He fought a courageous, nearly ten-year battle with cancer with optimism and grace. He passed peacefully at home looking out to sea with his family and beloved dog Coco by his side. A life well lived.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Project Gurnet & Bug Lights, Inc., online at: https://buglight.org/show-your-support/ or by mail to P.O. Box 2167, Duxbury, MA 02331, and/or to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, online at: https://giving.bilh.org/bethisraeldeaconessmedicalcenter/memorials-and-tributes/ or by mail to 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129. Please include “Mark Robinson, Hematology/Oncology” in the memo line. 

Funeral services provided by MacDonald Funeral and Cremation Care of Marshfield.