August 15, 2008
RIP Robbie Greenberger
Robbie and Caroline at I-Con in 2004
I didn't want to write that title. I really didn't.
Short version is that Robbie Greenberger son of Bob and Deb Greenberger and brother to Katie Greenberger passed away yesterday evening after a very long illness. He was surrounded by family when he passed. He will be missed by his family, extended family, and friends.
There is a lot I could write about Robbie. He has been a part of my life for a while now. He was one of my warm bodies I could count on for costuming. And he was up for anything. When I told him that I wanted to dress him up as Barrie from "Finding Neverland" in an Indian headdress and war-paint, he said he would do it if I could find him a duck to carry around like the character did. I did and he cut a rather handsome figure in his suit and war-paint.
He was really good with the younger kids. Caroline loved him dearly. She called him Robbie Rotten after the character in "Lazytown". She would follow him around a convention like a shadow. I have found memories of watching Ariel, 'Rina, Robbie, and Caroline splashing around in the pool at Shoreleave and Farpoint. I remember the late night poker games they would play on Sunday after Shoreleave was done. It usual dissolved into a cut-throat game of Mao.
The kid had a lot of potential but that is all that it remains. He leaves behind a lot of people who loved him and respected the man he was becoming.
I will miss you Robbie. We are killing the costume that we spiked when you first got sick.
I am grateful that I knew Robbie.
Posted by Kathleen David at August 15, 2008 09:25 AM | TrackBackOh hell. In am so so sorry. Bob, Deb, all those who knew him, I am so sorry for this. Reading about Robbie's fight has made me feel like he was part of my extended family--ridiculous, I know, but there it is. Words can't mitigate the pain those who really did know him must feel. I'm just so sorry for the loss of such a great kid.
Posted by: Bill Mulligan at August 15, 2008 09:38 AMI was afraid this was the bad news you alluded to. I was reminded a lot in all of Bob's updates of my mother's struggle, and hoped very strongly for a different outcome.
I'm so very sorry.
Our wagons are circled. I have a picture of Robbie, Rina, and Chris at Icon '07 on my desk at work; I couldn't even look at it. Our hearts go out to everyone.
Posted by: Susan O at August 15, 2008 10:35 AMThe death if someone we love does not leave a vacuum. It leaves a chasm that no one else will ever be able to cross.
Posted by: Bob Jones at August 15, 2008 04:04 PMThe death of someone we love does not leave a vacuum. It leaves a chasm that no one else will ever be able to cross.
Posted by: Bob Jones at August 15, 2008 04:04 PMDaniel and I feel as you do. Robbie was great with the little kids. Daniel counts him as a friend despite the age difference. He will be missed!
Posted by: Eta (The Little Elf Devil's Mother) at August 15, 2008 05:20 PMSo saddened to hear this... sending prayers of comfort to his family as well as to yours...
Posted by: Jerri at August 17, 2008 08:29 PM