Ralph Robinowitz

Ralph Robinowitz, 94, of Dallas Texas passed away on April 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a Parkinsons related disease. Born in Houston Texas on September 21, 1929, Ralph graduated in 1946 at the age of 16 from San Jacinto High School in Houston Texas. He attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas at Austin, earning a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas. After completing his Ph.D., he went on active duty with the U.S. Army from 1955-1958, and later served in the Army reserves, attaining the rank of Major. Ralph married Chana Robinowitz on November 6, 1960, and together raised a loving family of 4 children and numerous grandchildren. After his Army service, Ralph began his career working as a clinical psychologist for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. In 1972, he founded and headed the first V.A. Drug Dependence Treatment Program in the U.S., which he directed until his retirement from the V.A. in 1986. His experience in this area led to him being appointed by Governor Bill Clements to the State Drug Abuse Advisory Committee for two terms. He also maintained a private practice and was a professor of psychology at Southern Methodist University, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce.) He conducted significant research and was a co-author of multiple papers examining the diagnosis, incidence and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans. He was a former president of the Dallas Psychological Association, an executive committee member of the Texas Psychological Association and an Oral Examiner for the Texas Board of Psychology. He was also a member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society. He enjoyed his frequent exercise at the Cooper Center for many years. In his retirement years, he attended law school at Texas Wesleyan University and was licensed as an attorney by The State Bar of Texas in November of 1998. After being licensed he went to work as a government contractor for the Social Security Administration. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Chana Robinowitz, their son, Howard Robinowitz, parents Isadore and Esther Levinson Karchmer Robinowitz, and sister and brother-in-law Mona and Stanley Rubenstein. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was survived by his children, Don (Nikki) Robinowitz, Jill (David) Clay, Kevin (Debbie) Robinowitz, grandchildren Carli and John Clay, Anna and Jake Robinowitz, Beau and Mila Robinowitz, Tyler Tran, brother-in-law Avi (Shuli) Freedman, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. His family is incredibly grateful for all of the caregivers who assisted him in his fight against PSP, particularly his longtime caregiver Delia Corpuz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shearith Israel, CurePSP or the charity of your choice.

Ralph Robinowitz

September 21, 1929 - April 7, 2024