title: William Russell Robinson
text: # William Russell Robinson
  
  William Russell Robinson (February 5, 1942 – June 9, 2020) was an American politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1989 to 2002.
  
  ## Early life and education
  
  A native of Pittsburgh, Robinson is a 1960 graduate of Schenley High School. He earned a degree in political science from Ohio State University in 1964 and a master's degree in political science from Duquesne University in 1972.
  
  ## Career
  
  Robinson began his career as a member of the Pittsburgh City Council.
  
  He was first elected to represent the 19th legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1988. He was defeated in the 2002 Democratic primary by Jake Wheatley, a staffer for Pittsburgh City Councilman Sala Udin, a Robinson rival.
  
  ## Death
  
  Robinson died on June 9, 2020, in Pittsburgh.
  
  