Monday, September 11, 2006

In Memoriam: Robert Lawrence, Jr

On this most hallowed of anniversaries, in solidarity with 2,996 other blogs, The Republic Square pays tribute to a fallen American victim of the 9/11 Terrorist attacks. Please set aside some time out of your busy day to visit the 2996 tribute project site, and take a moment to read at least a few of the many touching memorials posted by the project's participants. Today we refuse to focus on death, terror, and war, but choose to celebrate the lives of our 2,996 dearly departed brothers and sisters.

The Republic Square remembers Robert Lawrence, Jr, a 41 yr old father, brother, and friend to many hailing from Summit, New Jersey.

On September 10, 2001, Robert started a new job as managing director of Sandler O'Neill & Partners on the 104th floor of Tower 2, having previously worked for a firm in Edison, NJ. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Robert was an expert in the securities field in which he excelled. He was also famously afraid of heights, but confronting challenges came naturally to the ambitious and competitive financial star. Robert tackled tennis, business, and family with characteristic zeal. "Bobby," as the family affectionately calls him, served as the family's linchpin, organizing family gatherings and holding the large clan together through good and bad times. As his sister fondly remembers, Robert's love of his family often led to well-meaning over protection, making it hard to secure a date immune from Bobby's scrutiny.

Robert's intensity did not mask a large and generous heart. A lover of music, sports, and time spent with his two children and wife, Robert particularly enjoyed playing hockey or singing and strumming the guitar with his kids after a long day at the office. Relatives recall his unique sense of humor, especially when entertaining at large family gatherings. He was also the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need, and his community remembers Robert tearfully as a great neighbor and friend.

Robert Lawrence is survived by his two children, his wife, parents, siblings, cousins, friends, and dozens of others who miss his reassuring smile and loving soul.

RIP, Robert Lawrence, Jr.
-------------------------------------------

To learn more about Robert, read personal testimonials and pay your respects, click here.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing Robert with us.

Anonymous said...

One more try.

Nice tribute

Blogger ate two long comments,

So hopefully this third attempt will get through.

Blogger has a bad habit of slowing down when there is a righteous cause being talked about on the web.

Again, great tribute that introduced us to Robert.

Anonymous said...

Matt this is a beautiful tribute to Robert. Thank you for taking part in Project 2996. Let us not forget those who died and the families left to live life without them. We shall remember the day the world cried. We shall remember a day that the whole world mourned together. We shall remember September 11th as more than just a number thanks to the 9/11 tribute started by D.Challener Roe.

Sue said...

Wow! Began work one day before the attack. How terrible.

You have done a wonderful job in this Tribute! I am trying to get around to as many as possible.

If you have a moment, stop by and visit my tribute. http://jayhawkfever.blogspot.com

Thank you!

Sue

Anonymous said...

A wonderful memorial to the individual, Robert Lawrence, JR.!!

It's just so hard for me, still, to comprehend the hate and loss here in America and around the world by terroist atttacks.

I made up a tribute on my blog also, but not of one individual. I thought of it, but now I know I was right in making a decision not to for me....I wanted some positive thoughts today....I couldn't have done it any other way. It's too difficult just to read these beautiful pieces of memories!! And to remember so many lives lost....

Thanks for doing this.

on-the-rocks said...

Matt;

Thanks for your contribution. I was also assigned Robert A. Lawrence.

http://geosciblog.blogspot.com/2006/09/because-each-one-had-name-2996-project.html

kateandjona said...

Thank you for sharing a beautiful tribute to Robert.

Jonathon's Closet remembers Robert Levine.

Anonymous said...

Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!