John Robbins Death & Obituary: The world has lost one of its most influential voices for compassionate living. John Robbins, author, environmentalist, and co-founder of the Food Revolution Network, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the age of 77 due to complications related to post-polio syndrome.
Known widely for his powerful advocacy of plant-based living and environmental sustainability, Robbins helped redefine the relationship between food, health, and ethics for millions across the globe.
From Ice Cream Heir to Ethical Pioneer
Born into the Baskin-Robbins ice cream empire, Robbins was heir to a fortune and legacy. But in a bold move in the 1980s, he walked away from his family’s business and wealth to pursue a life of purpose, health, and compassion. His decision was not an act of rebellion, but a conscious moral choice—a stand for a more sustainable and ethical world.
“I had to choose between a life of comfort and a life of meaning,” he later wrote. “I chose meaning.”
‘Diet for a New America’ and a Paradigm Shift
Robbins rose to prominence with his groundbreaking 1987 book, Diet for a New America, which connected the dots between personal health, environmental preservation, and the moral cost of animal agriculture. The book became a foundational text in the modern plant-based movement and helped spark global awareness around the ethical and ecological consequences of food choices.
For many, Diet for a New America was more than a book—it was a turning point. “I was already a vegetarian,” one reader shared, “but John’s words deepened my commitment and helped me understand the global stakes of my choices.”
A Life That Embodied Its Principles
Diagnosed with polio as a child, Robbins later experienced post-polio syndrome but credited his plant-based lifestyle with helping him defy medical expectations. He faced his health challenges with humility and resilience, never allowing them to distract from his greater mission of helping others live with integrity and compassion.
Robbins’s message wasn’t just theory—it was lived experience. His calm voice and unshakable resolve inspired trust, action, and hope.
Expanding the Movement with His Son
Robbins continued his legacy by co-founding the Food Revolution Network with his son, Ocean Robbins, a leader in his own right. Together, they built a global community dedicated to transforming food systems for the good of people, animals, and the planet.
Through webinars, summits, books, and campaigns, the Food Revolution Network has reached millions of individuals, empowering them with knowledge and tools to reclaim their health and advocate for sustainable change.
Author, Educator, and Global Health Advocate
In addition to Diet for a New America, Robbins authored several impactful books, including Healthy at 100, which explored the habits of the world’s longest-lived people. He was among the first to popularize the concept of Blue Zones, highlighting how diet, lifestyle, and community support longevity and vitality.
His work helped elevate the conversation around healthy aging, ethical living, and food justice well before they became mainstream concerns.
Tributes from Around the World
Following the announcement of Robbins’s passing, tributes poured in from environmental leaders, health advocates, authors, and everyday individuals whose lives were transformed by his words.
Friend and fellow activist Caryn Hartglass shared a moving video tribute: “John was a torchbearer of compassion. He didn’t just talk about change—he lived it with integrity and courage.”
Another supporter wrote: “He didn’t just write books—he changed lives. He made you believe that your choices could change the world.”
A Father Figure to a Movement
As Father’s Day approaches, many are reflecting not only on Robbins’s personal role as a father, but on the spiritual guidance he offered to a generation of activists and changemakers.
By stepping away from the corporate legacy of Baskin-Robbins, he founded a different kind of dynasty—one grounded in values, compassion, and moral clarity. He became a father figure to many who found their voice and purpose through his example.
A Legacy That Will Endure
John Robbins is survived by his wife, Deva, his son Ocean, and several grandchildren. In the coming weeks, the Food Revolution Network will announce plans for a public memorial, inviting supporters to honor Robbins’s life and legacy.
As the world remembers John Robbins, his life serves as a call to action—to live with greater awareness, to align values with behavior, and to be stewards of a kinder, more just world.
“The revolution we need is not only political—it’s personal. It’s about the food we eat, the lives we lead, and the compassion we show.” – John Robbins
His memory will continue to guide all those who seek to create a better future.
