Robbie Stillman dies; BJ on her busy resume

Robbie Stillman was born July 9, 1931 and passed away October 4, 2011.

She graduated from Old Trail School, Briarcliff College and The University of Akron where she was affiliated with Delta Gamma Sorority.

Following college commencement she went to New York City where she worked as a gal Friday for Tex and Jinx McCrary when they were at their height in TV and Radio in Manhattan.

She eventually returned to Akron and hosted her own TV program ``Social Whirl' on WAKR-TV for three years. The half-hour daily show was sponsored by the First National Bank of Akron, now First Merit.

A career change found her next as Director of Public Relations for the local Red Cross Chapter where she stayed for a number of years.

A surprise call from Briarcliff College had her returning to the Westchester Campus as Dean of Students for two years.

The pull of New York City was always present, however, and in 1962 Robbie returned to New York where she worked for Merv Griffin on the first four years of Jeopardy! interviewing prospective participants.

With her sister Cindy who came from San Francisco, she went back to her home town to care for ill parents. Following their deaths, she worked for National City Bank and, ultimately, Akron General Medical Center where she was Director of Public Relations and finally Director of Volunteer Services. She was with AGMC for 23 years.

She always said she loved every job she had in a career that featured diverse interests. Interspersed were stints through the years of working for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Robbie's volunteer service started with AGMC as a member of the Women's Board and included time spent with the Akron Press Club, where she was a 30-year member. In recent years she volunteered at the Akron Boys and Girls Club.

She was especially proud of having served for 10 years as a member of the National Commission that established the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and serving as chair of the two sustaining fund drives for Blossom Music Center.

Robbie could often be seen walking her beloved dog. At one time she had taken in a stray who gave her 10 puppies, two of which she kept. The three were followed by a Humane Society part-shepherd-part hound.. Shep...who was her constant companion until his death.

Many thanks to the ladies who cared for Robbie with compassion and understanding and to Barbara Christe, her Hospice nurse, who guided and supported Robbie through her illness.

She leaves her sister Cindy, residing in upstate New York and her many friends, particularly the class of '49 at Old Trail School.

There will be a graveside service for the family.

Those who wish to send condolences may write to Cindy Stillman at 3490 Lake St., Hector, NY 14850. Anyone wishing to make a gift in her name is asked to remember the Humane Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Akron. Private Services will be held at the Rose Hill Burial Park.
(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
[Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Wednesday, October 5, 2011, age B5, col. 2

Robbie's cousin, Trinka Davis Rhyne, also had an amazing life including starting an Akron company. Click on the headline to see Trinka's 2006 obituary in the New York Times.