Rob's Story
The story of Rob's life is unique. The story of his death is unfortunately not rare. Rob was a healthy, successful 45 yr old man when he took his own life March 16, 2021. Rob had a beautiful wife and 2 amazing young boys, 8 & 10 years old. Rob had a lot to be grateful for and he was.
Rob was a devoted husband and father. He was gentle, warm, reliable, kind, smart, innovative, creative, fun, and most of all - Rob was all about family - all of the time. He was generous and beloved by all who ever crossed paths with him.
Known for being “even tempered” and one who paid great attention to detail, Rob had a wonderful life. Rob was always calm and prepared for the smallest of tasks or family beach outings or large family reunions he often hosted. Although he would never have claimed that he was a perfectionist, most things in his life to those from the outside looking in, were perfect.
Rob's story is not the one you usually hear about. There was no lead up, no dramatic struggle with drugs, alcohol or ongoing battles with depression. There was Covid and all the struggles many people faced but nothing that would have led to him to end his life. We thought he, like most people, suffered with the Covid Blues. We never once suspected that there was a silent and ultimately life threatening depression brewing.
Rob enjoyed a successful career in Lacrosse and as a result is adored and respected widely for his accomplishments. He, like many athletes, strived to be the best. He is a legend because of that drive.
Rob never missed a day out of life. He never ignored his responsibilities. He was the most unsuspecting victim to silent depression one could imagine. Until the very end, he was working as a Physical Therapist, coaching his boys in youth Lacrosse & coaching a high school Lacrosse team. All of the kids admired and looked up to Rob. They knew they were lucky to have him as a mentor.
If Rob wasn’t at home spending time with his wife and kids, he was spending time at family gatherings with his extended family, celebrating holidays, birthdays and the regular Taco Tuesday nights they gathered for frequently.
Rob loved gardening and building stuff for his boys and his home. He loved Kenny Chesney and casual days at the beach or being on the water in beautiful sunny South Florida. He also had a special place in his heart for the mountains in North Carolina… these were the simple easy going lifestyle things he enjoyed. Nature, his wife & kids, family…
Rob suffered his depression in silence. This is the reality we are faced with day after day. Asking questions we will never have answered. Wondering if we could have done more. Wondering if we missed something that would have helped him. How could a family so close, spending as much time together as we all did, wake up to this tragedy? How could this happen to someone like Rob?? None of it makes sense.
So, as a family, we are telling Rob’s story because it’s the story you normally don’t hear. Our mission is to spread awareness about depression, in Rob’s case, a silent depression. We are also considering the pressure being a top athlete may play in life events as well.
People are often stunned when they learn about Rob’s suicide because there is an idea that Depression is messy. Rob’s story isn’t that story. He was a normal, high functioning, loved by all, hard working man that we believe had no idea what was lurking in the shadows would be his demise.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of Robs out there. Middle aged, males suffering from depression. Statistically, mild depression left unchecked can become major depression. The possibility of suicide exists at all times during a major depressive episode. White males make up 70% of all suicides. This is a staggering number for a silent killer.
We hope you will join us in telling Rob’s story by creating dialogue to spread awareness about Depression and Suicide. With this movement, we hope to normalize the conversation that can save the lives of many people suffering like Rob did, including athletes and young people by simply raising awareness. It’s very likely you know someone who suffers this type of mental illness. Ask the hard questions, learn the signs of depression as it has many faces, talk to your kids about this so they are better equipped to handle their own life events.
We are Rob’s family and we are sharing his story to break the stigma associated with Depression.
15 For Life
It’s understanding you!