Clifford Robinson Jr., who until his retirement in 2015 served as the Deputy Commissioner for Mental Health Services in the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), died on July 26 th after a brief illness. As Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Robinson oversaw a public mental health system of state hospitals and community resources serving over 29,000 adults and children with serious and persistent mental illness.

Mr. Robinson was a guiding light in the mission of DMH and a beacon of hope for those it served. He came to DMH in1988 as a regional director of adult services and by 1993 became an Area Director overseeing 1600 employees and a vast network of provider and state operated hospitals and services. A lifelong advocate for recovery principles and person-centered care, he promoted the DMH mission of Community First, managing a dramatic expansion in community-based services and programs, the accreditation of two inpatient facilities, oversight of four state operated
emergency service programs, and implementation of the court mandated children’s behavioral healthcare initiative. He also collaborated with the Departments of Children and Families and Youth Services to develop programs for those with multi-agency involvement. A steadfast supporter of the Mass Mental Health Center, Mr. Robinson’s creative negotiation, expert advocacy, and strong community relations were instrumental in the transformative projects at 75 Fenwood Road and 20 Vining Street. 

Mr. Robinson’s influence extended beyond his tenure with the Department. He continued to champion these causes as board chair of Mainstay Supportive Housing and Home Care.  Under his leadership, the organization expanded its reach, providing critical human services and housing programs across Massachusetts.

Clifford Garfield Robinson Jr. was born on May 23, 1948, to Margaret (Stokes) Robinson and Clifford Robinson. He was raised in Manhattan, attended Brandeis High School, and graduated from Williams College in 1970, as Class Marshall, the first Black President of a residential house, and a Watson Fellow. He received a M.Ed. from Harvard in 1974, and a MSW from Simmons in 1977. He was an active member of the Cambridge community in which he lived for over 45 years, a lover of opera, a connoisseur of food and wine, and inveterate summer denizen of Martha’s Vineyard. He leaves his brothers Kenneth and Leonard, nephew Leonard Jr., great nephew and niece, J’von and Skye, as well as five godchildren and countless lifelong friends. A memorial service is planned for the fall.