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Brother Robert was a very special man…filled with humility, kindness, a quiet Irish strength. He loved Gilmour Academy so much. We are honored to have had him as our Headmaster for 35 years. Rest in peace dear Brother, you will be missed.💙🕊️🙏🏻

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My tenure at Gilmour Academy began because Tony Asher created an opportunity for me to meet with Brother Robert Lavelle about becoming the hockey and arena director. After that first conversation, I knew immediately that Brother Robert was a man of deep integrity—someone whose faith, wisdom, and leadership would not only support my vision for hockey at Gilmour but also shape me as a person.

Over the years, Brother Robert’s leadership, mentorship, and ultimately friendship blessed me beyond measure. I am profoundly thankful for every interaction we shared. He had a remarkable way of making every meeting feel like it was the most important of the day and that you were the most important person he would see. His kindness and authenticity inspired excellence and brought out the best in everyone around him.

I witnessed firsthand the transformational impact Brother Robert had on students, staff, and the entire Gilmour community. His ability to lead with grace and humility set a standard that will endure for generations. I will forever be indebted to him—for his trust, guidance, and unwavering support. It is an honor to have known such a man, and I will cherish the opportunity to share stories and memories of him with others who were touched by his life.

Brother Robert Lavelle was an extraordinary man who never sought to be extraordinary—yet his quiet strength and genuine heart made him unforgettable. His spirit and work will continue to live on through all of us blessed enough to have known him.

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I first met brother Robert as a student attending Glen oak in 1972.

When struggling in a science class brother Robert encouraged me to due my best & give the rest in prayer to our father in Heaven, I passed this class on the Gilmour campus! Many years later I interviewed for the position of College Guidance Counselor at Glen Oak & brother Robert told the board he believed I would be the best candidate for the job even though I was the youngest counselor in all of Northeast Ohio.

Love to you dear brother Robert as God welcomes you into eternal peace in heaven. 🙏❤️

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Brother Robert was a wonderful, thoughtful man who cared for the students of Gilmour Academy, even after we had finished our education. His care, concern, and compassion for us even long after we'd graduated is indicative of how wonderful a person he was, and how much he lived his faith. He reached out to my family when I lost my mother, and I will never forget that Godly act of kindness. The Gilmour Academy family was enriched by his presence, and he will be deeply and sorely missed.

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Rest in Peace, Brother Robert. We will miss you forever and ever.

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Brother Robert walked with grace, humility, kindness, and love in his heart. He was a beautiful leader.

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For over thirty-five years, Brother Robert was not simply the head of our school, I always saw him as Gilmour Academy. He was its heartbeat, its compass, and its steady, faithful presence.

Brother Robert embodied the spirit of giving in its purest form. He never sought attention or recognition, yet his impact was unmistakable. In his quiet, unassuming way, he developed people, students, faculty, families, and friends while always seeing potential where others might not. He believed deeply in growth, redemption, and the power of steady encouragement. The results of his life’s work live on in the countless lives shaped by his wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith.

What made Brother Robert extraordinary to me was not only what he did, but how he did it. He led with humility. He listened more than he spoke. He offered guidance without judgment and support without condition. He was always there being present, dependable, and grounded in love. In a world that often moves too fast and speaks too loudly, Brother Robert showed me the power of quiet leadership and gentle strength.

I feel profoundly blessed to have had Brother Robert in my life for decades. I always looked forward to our calls with moments of grounding, reflection, and grace. To me, he was far more than an administrator or educator; he was my spiritual advisor, a trusted guide whose words brought clarity and peace. Every story he shared carried wisdom, and somehow, every one had a happy ending. Through them, he reminded me that faith endures, goodness prevails, and hope is never misplaced.

Brother Robert lived his faith fully and authentically. He showed me what it means to serve God by serving others, to lead by lifting others up, and to leave a place better than you found it. His life was a testament to love in action, and his legacy continues in every student he guided, every colleague who walked beside him, and every life touched by his kindness.

There is comfort in believing that heaven is richer today because Brother Robert has joined God. And yet, we feel the ache of his absence deeply. We are missing our spiritual leader, our steady presence, our quiet source of wisdom and reassurance. Still, his spirit remains with us, in the halls of Gilmour Academy, in the values he instilled, and in the love he so freely gave.

Thank you, Brother Robert, for a life beautifully lived. Thank you for your faith, your service, your stories, and your unwavering belief in all of us. I will always try to carry your legacy forward, guided by your example and the love you shared.

I often wonder what a person’s legacy will be. In Brother Robert, I believe his legacy is us. May we live well through the lessons he taught us.

God bless Brother Robert.

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RIP Brother Lavelle. May you be greeted as kindly at the pearly gates as you greeted us each morning. A true Holy Cross legend!

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I have known Br. Robert essentially my entire life. He was family. We have lost a remarkable human being. I can't even imagine a world without him, yet I know the world is forever changed by the legacy of integrity, honor, and holiness he leaves behind. He possessed a quiet strength, deep patience, and a boundless love and care for others. I witnessed him in many meetings and interactions where his presence alone brought calm, grounding the room and guiding us forward with grace. I love you, Br. Robert. I will carry you in my heart forever.

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I am holding deep gratitude and deep sadness as I reflect on the life of Br. Robert Lavelle. Br. Robert was the Head of School at Gilmour when I was a student, and years later, he welcomed me back, first as a student teacher, and then as a teacher. His impact extended far beyond the walls of the school. He touched my life, my family, and countless others with his steady presence, wisdom, and quiet confidence in goodness. He led with faith, compassion, and hope, never loudly, but always powerfully. Br. Robert was truly a beacon of hope, and his legacy lives on in the people he shaped, supported, and inspired to serve others. May he rest in peace, and may we continue to carry forward the light he so generously shared.

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I was thinking about who I should be offering condolences to for Brother Robert, but I realize it’s the entire Gilmour Community; past, present and future as they will all miss him. I still remember in 2006 when we first moved all 5 kids to Gilmour. I was at my first extracurricular Gilmour event (a Blue & Gray Society event at Dean Barry’s home). The only person I knew there was Dr. Veto and it was the first time I heard Brother Robert speak. After he spoke he walked up to me and introduced himself and said “Thank you for entrusting your five children to us”.

Now the thanks is all to him for being THE key figure of making Gilmour what it is today and providing an environment for all of our children to excel.

When Brother asked me to join the Board, I talked to him about the sacrifices my parents made to provide all four of their sons a Catholic education and I had a mom who was as Irish-Catholic as they come. She didn’t go to Mass every week, but every day. Brother Robert was very impressed with my Irish mother.

While I won’t be there physically, I will definitely be watching to help celebrate his life and might even do a shot in his honor like at an Irish wake.

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We shall never forget Brother Robert as a caring , kind, inspirational leader of Gilmour. He was a man who showed his deep faith and love for young people and their families. This was true for our family during difficult times .

Brother Robert was willing to do what no other head of a school we talked to would do.

Our son Michael had been in a devastating accident when he was 8 years old . He miraculously lived with serious medical issues . He was turned away at many schools , including the one he had been attending. He was home schooled by his family. By middle school we knew he needed to be socially with other young people .

Brother Robert was willing to take a risk having a seriously ill young man at Gilmour. He and the faculty shepherded Michael as well as our family through these years until Michael graduated . We are eternally grateful to Brother Robert for his care , love and compassion

and the decision that allowed Michael to experience a more normal life ., an excellent education and the care and love of the Gilmour community.

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Brother Robert hired me in 2012 and saw in me the qualities that led him to believe Gilmour should add a Montessori Toddler Program to enrich young hearts and minds. He got it right - a very successful program! He made me feel truly welcomed from the very beginning. He was a kind, wise and gentle man. Someone you could talk too at anytime. He had an open door and an open heart policy.

Rest in peace

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Br. Robert took the reigns of Headmaster at Gilmour my freshman year. He provided steady, vision oriented leadership for decades. His desire to put Gilmour and it's students at the core of his decision making has paid enormous dividends over the years. He laid the foundation for what Gilmour has grown into, which is a shining light in catholic education. Our community mourns his loss, but can forever be grateful for the leadership he provided. RIP Br. Robert.

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Br. Robert hired me without hesitation in 2002. He made me feel most welcome. He led with strength and purpose. I was always impressed with how he left everyone he met knowing they were heard and valued.

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My first summer as a GA faculty member, I attended a summer institute at ND with Br. Robert and Whitney. Br. Robert drove us around ND in his SUV and his light and warmth, and the knowledge they both shared, was such a meaningful start to my years at GA. His grace and kindness spoke so powerfully every time I encountered him on campus. May his memory be a blessing.

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Br. Robert always put a smile on my face! His kind and caring demeanor made everyone around him feel seen and heard. I had the privilege of attending Gilmour as a high school student under his leadership and I would see him all the time walking the halls during our transitions and greeting the students. Once I started teaching at the Lower School, I learned so much from him as he devoted his time to sharing his knowledge of the Holy Cross and Gilmour. It was always a treat when I would see him on campus. Boy was he a wealth of knowledge! He will be missed, but his legacy will live on!

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Thank you for all you did! You helped hundreds of Gilmour students in many ways. Rest in Peace!!🌹👍🏆

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The example he set, the kindness he showed and the young lives he touched will be felt for generations. Rest in eternal peace, Brother Robert.

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We are deeply saddened of the loss of Brother Robert .

He was such a sweet caring kind and lovely man . Always had a smile on face . And cared so much for others and our family!

Much love and blessings

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I remember Brother Robert, shortly after he became headmaster, coming to me, following a presentation I gave in the library to my classmates.  He approached and told me I had the ability to lead and encouraged me to exercise and improve those skills.  I have no idea if that type of instruction was part of his standard repertoire.  It doesn't matter.  What does matter is that I took the encouragement as possibility and have spent these subsequent years striving to embody what he saw.  My efforts to be of service are modeled on his, and all the brothers’ and priests’ of Holy Cross, example. Openness and thoughtfulness are not easy. To be of service is not easy. Like any craft, they take discipline and effort and commitment. Brother Robert lived them all.  Thank you, Brother, for helping form the man I am today.

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I will always remember his time at Archbishop Hoban High School. Brother Robert would always show up for events at Hoban if he was able. May he enjoy his after life with his fellow brothers of Holy Cross

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Joe Antonucci Archbishop Hoban Class of 67 

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I was sadden to learn of Brother Robert’s passing. I graduated a few years before he became Headmaster in 1981. But whenever I returned to Gilmour for homecoming games or class reunions, Br. Robert was always there with a smile, an extended hand, and a warm “Welcome back.” He accomplished much during his tenure that was of long-term benefit to the school, to its students, and to enhancing the mission on which Gilmour was founded. He saw what the school could be and ought to be.  In that respect Br. Robert is irreplaceable.

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What more can I say other than to agree with your Lord, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”.

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THE KINDEST PERSON I HAVE EVER KNOWN ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE SUCH KIND WORDS TO SAY ,HE WILL TRULY MISSED ❤️ 🙏

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Brother Robert brought our family here to Gilmour Academy and we are so grateful for that. A man of true leadership, patience and care for others.

He will be so greatly missed.

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Grateful for the power of example and condolences to the GA Community. You will be missed.

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Brother Robert was a true inspiration, showing us how to live for others. What I will miss most is his remarkable ability to make everyone he encountered smile.

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A decent, kind, and wonderful person. I recall Brother Robert standing every morning in the hall of the upper school ￼ saying hello to all of us when we arrived before the school bell. He encouraged me to attend a Summer program at a Brothers of the Holy Cross school in Rome, Italy- Notre Dame International School which has since been shuttered. He devoted his life to Gilmour and educational excellence. May you reat in peace and God grant you eternal life. ￼.

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Br. Robert changed my life and was instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. He taught me the grace that comes when we see the goodness of others and invite them to the table. He was a beacon of hope and I feel so honored and blessed to call him my mentor and friend. Thank you for always believing in me, encouraging me, and pushing me to heights I couldn’t even imagine, Br. Robert.

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He was such an amazing person. He’ll be missed by many including the family.

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So saddened by this news. Brother Lavelle's faith-filled leadership was one of the reasons we chose Gilmour. Keeping the Gilmour & Holy Cross Community in prayer.

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Rest in peace

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He was a larger than life person - an incredible man. Kind, attentive, listened with his heart, spoke with love, and emulated God's love to every one he encountered. His spirit will live on in everyone who was blessed to know him

• May his soul, and

all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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His service to our institute made a huge impact as well. He will be greatly missed

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Brother was a wonderful example of what a man should strive to be. He was always in my corner.

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Brother Robert imbued our Gilmour Academy mission in every aspect of his being, and I, like so many others, have been positively transformed. I am so lucky to have worked for him and so happy we became friends.

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Sorry to hear this. I worked for Brother Robert in the 90's and he was a thoughtful and kind person. You don't meet someone like him every day...I was lucky. Godspeed Br. Robert.

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U sure will be missed forever BROTHER Robert Lavell!! OOHRAHH Keep those HEAVENS WARM FOR ME!! LOVE EDDIE KEATING 🧑‍🦽

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Brother Robert, may God welcome you home with open arms. You gave so much of yourself to so many, thank you!

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Br Robert rest in peace. You left an amazing legacy and are such a kind man!

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God Bless Brother Lavelle!🙏🏻

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So sorry to hear of this. He was always so gracious and what an absolute gentleman. I loved being with him and he made everyone around him feel loved and appreciated. Sending prayers and love to his family! ❤️

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Br.Robert had such an impact on my life. I will always be grateful.

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Brother Robert was profoundly wise in the carefully chosen, memorable truths and insights he shared with us. His use of Irish humor always lightened our moments and conversations with him. He fostered self-awareness within us encouraging us to thrive personally and professionally. True greatness isn’t easily duplicated. He was one of a kind and all of us have been somewhat transformed by him.🙏

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What a wonderful man

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Such a nice fair and good man

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God bless that man. He touched each and every one of us. He was respected, and loved by all. He will be missed. 🙏🙏🙏

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My deepest condolences. I remember him being both gentle and kind. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

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God Bless him and all his good work! St.Edward alumni

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Rest in peace, Brother Robert. Truly a wonderful, kind person as well as an amazing leader. What a huge loss for the GA family!

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A life beautifully lived in service. Grateful for his leadership, faith, and immense impact he had on generations of the Gilmour family.

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The sweetest man ever … a few key memories … our golden retriever Belle would go sit by him at Nate’s Gilmour baseball games .. I hope she greeted him yesterday ❤️ And he always commented “ must be a good party “ when we were setting up a Gilmour event .. and always a coffee in his hand ❤️ But my greatest memory of him was listening to a prison inmate give his testimony at a Kairos celebration. He couldn’t believe an “older white guy” could be so kind to him and listen and care about him …I knew exactly who that kind soul was before I turned around to look ❤️ He touched countless lives everywhere …

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For many of us, it is impossible to imagine Gilmour without the incomparable Brother Robert. He was, and will forever be, the epitome of quiet strength, moral clarity, and servant leadership. During my most formative years, he was an extraordinary source of fortitude and inspiration, shaping not only my education but my character. Through his presence more than his words, he influenced generations of students and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the spirit of Gilmour and in the lives he helped form with faith, kindness, and unwavering purpose.

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Thank you for your leadership and kindness.

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For me. Br. Robert was the truest example of someone who lived a life of kindness, understanding, generosity, true faith and love. For the almost half century I knew him, he never ever wavered. A good boss who became a close friend, he always conveyed a steady and peaceful presence in an otherwise tumultuous world. Though I will miss him a great deal, my fond memories of him will never fade.

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God Bless Br. Lavelle. In my experiences with him he was always kind, gentle and polite. A good listener. He will be remembered for a long time at Gilmour Academy. He truly has left a great legacy behind.

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What a wonderful man, may he rest in peace

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Br. Robert will be missed.

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Rest in Peace, Brother Robert.

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Rest in Peace Brother Robert

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Rest in Peace, Brother Robert.

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Rest in peace Brother Robert

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Rest In Peace, Brother Robert

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Rest in Peace, dear Brother Robert. I am grateful to have known you.

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God rest your kind soul, sir!

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A real loss prayers for him and the family

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A wonderful man who helped us all at GA. He will be missed.

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He was a true leader. So very kind.

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Truly a good man- kind, dignified, gracious, thoughtful, personal, intelligent, visionary... Memory eternal.

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A good man and an angel in disguise

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Such a loss. My condolences.

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Sorry to hear

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When I attended GA, Br Robert was always ready with a smile. He was caring and compassionate.

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RIP

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God bless that man. He touched each and every one of us. He was respected, and loved by all. He will be missed.

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Memory Eternal

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What a good person . He will be in my prayers.

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A life well lived

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Br. Robert truly embodied the Holy Cross charisms and will be missed

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RIP

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Sending prayers for the community and all at Gilmour. He was a great man.

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Rest in peace Brother Robert. Thanks for all of your support and guidance throughout the years.

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He was a beacon when I was 12 and he still was, until he met his Heavenly Father. God rest his soul.

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Great guy!

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RIP Brother Robert

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I am so sorry to hear this. He was always very kind and patient with me.

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Brother Robert’s kindness and presence stayed with me. May his legacy be forever remembered.

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RIP, brother.

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Awww, very sad news. He was always so kind and welcoming.

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Always there to talk to. He would go out of his way to make sure you were OK.

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Such sad news

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My condolences to Bro. Lavelle and his family.

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A strategic thinking educator who influenced many.

God speed Brother Robert !

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Brother always had a kind word and sound advice for me during my years at Gilmour

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Wonderful, kind man! Enjoy your life with Christ!

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I will miss Brother Robert's quiet way, thoughtfulmess, and kind soul. He has a well earned place in heaven and will be a guardian angel for all who were lucky to know him.

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A remarkable man and educator. Baruch Dayan Emet. He impacted so many lives.

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Deepest sympathy to the Gilmour community on this tremendous loss.

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Such a gentle, kind person. He will be missed.