Norvell Kirk Robinson Sr. knew how to cut through red tape at City Hall.

For nearly 15 years, he was the go-to guy for residents frustrated with delays in trying to get city trees pruned, potholes filled, trash picked up, grass mowed or sidewalks replaced.

A stocky man who hid a caring heart with gruff speech, the former hotel maître d’ got results.

He pushed, prodded and used personal ties with city employees to deal with complaints about city services.

Brought into city government around 1990 by then City Manager Robert C. Bobb, Mr. Robinson proved indispensable in serving as the liaison between the City Council and city manager.

Along with addressing complaints, he also brought citizen feedback from civic and community meetings that helped guide decision-making.

For five years, he chaired the city’s Towing Advisory Board that advised City Council. The board kept towing costs in check and produced regulations that council approved that forced businesses and private lot owners to post signs to tell people where their cars had been taken.

He held his liaison post during the tenures of five mayors, from Walter T. Kenney to Rudolph C. “Rudy” McCollum, in a period when the council elected the mayor.

He was forced to retire in 2005 after the mayor became a popularly elected office and the new mayor, L. Douglas Wilder, declined to keep him on.

Long active in civic and social affairs, Mr. Robinson died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, after a sudden illness. He was 85.

His life was to be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 10 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where he was an active member. The service is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the sanctuary at 2900 Hanes Ave. on North Side.

He found his first career as a maître d’ after graduating from Armstrong High School and pursuing higher education at Virginia Union University.

He worked as the maître at restaurants at various city hotels, including the Executive Motor Hotel, the Holiday Inn, the Hotel John Marshall and the Omni Richmond Hotel.

Outside work, he championed community empowerment through the NAACP and the Richmond Crusade for Voters.

He served as a president of the Crusade from 1977 to 1980 and as the president of the Richmond Branch NAACP from 1995 to 1997.

He also was a member of the Community Advisory Council of WTVR-Channel 6.

Mr. Robinson was an active member of the Iota Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., the Thebans Beneficial Club and Club 533.

He also was a longtime member of the John W. Barco Alumni Chapter of Virginia Union University and worked on the homecoming planning committee for many years. An avid sports fan, he traveled with the VUU Panther 100 Club to every game.

He was a lifelong member of St. Philip’s where he served on the vestry, sang tenor in the Senior Choir and served as a lay reader. Most recently, he was a member of the Circle of Love and the Knights of St. Philip’s.

Survivors include his son, Norvell K. Robinson Jr.; four daughters, Valerie R. Lancaster, Norvella R. Rambert, Angela A. Robinson and Rhonda R. Trimiew; a sister, Antoinette R. Northington; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.