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Robert Davenport Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Davenport
67 Entries
Tangela Brinson
October 28, 2018
I know that many years have passed since Mr. Davenport left us. I heard if it several years after. He was a peaceable, loving man. He gave me a CD when we both worked at Renaissance. Till this day, I teach children his song, If You Dont Have A Vowel, You Dont Have A World! Though he is gone, I give tribute to him every time I teach this concept and song. In death, all we leave behind is how we impacted it impressed upon others. Mr. Davenport made such impressions on me and I continue to passed those on to my students all these years later.
anniem butler
April 11, 2009
i just found out the sad news about rob. i knew him first as a teacher at the haggerty school. he always had a guitar. i was a reading instructor. i used to get coffee where he worked. no matter what time it was he was always kind and had a big smile. i worked with him at the renaissance also. i drove rob, joseph and issac out to his moms in greenfield. the last time i saw him he was walking down pearl so i gave him a ride. he was on his way to do data entry for obama. i was busy working for the green party candidate. we talked politics. he was a lovely person and he loved his family. what a cool guy he was. i am so sorry for your loss. he fills a place somewhere else in the universe. you are in my prayers. nam myoho renge kyo.
Thomas Campbell
February 6, 2009
My fellow Kappa Sigmas and Muskingum alumni have said it best in their messages-Rob was a great friend and fraternity brother. My condolences to his family and his friends.
Fenway 09/04 Rob, Rachel, Joseph & Isaac
October 26, 2008
Rebecca Shapiro
October 8, 2008
Rob was the best teacher I have ever had, and one of the greatest people I have ever known. I had him as my teacher in second grade, and I still remember some incredible, happy, funny times with him in that class. He was amazing, and I loved him. May God bless him and his entire family.
Deering
Dave Walker
September 29, 2008
I was very sad and upset to hear of Rob's death. I knew Rob from our Church in Greenfield, our weekly Youth Group meeting, occasional church retreats, (once to NYC) and one year a Church Camp in Deering, NH. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was just a fun person. We were not the close friends, but rather friendly for a little while in our teens. I admired how he handled his differentness as a teenager, being so tall..he never seemed to let it bother him. I wish I had known him as an adult. My condolonces to his sister and family.
Rob and nephew 11/03
September 22, 2008
MINEY, ROBBIE, CHARLES, BETH
NAN NADY GOODSON
September 14, 2008
DEAR AUNT MINEY AND COUSIN BETH,
MY HEART IS FILLED WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOU BOTH!
I FOUND THIS PHOTO OF YOUR FAMILY IN MY GENEAOLOGY BOOK AND WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU.
Karen Andres
September 12, 2008
Dear Isaac, Joseph, Rachel and Sherry,
Your very sad news reached us as we were leaving on a trip. We were sorry to miss the funeral and shiva, and our hearts go out to you.
Ironically, I had been sitting in shul on the shabbat of Rob's death, before knowing, and thinking about inviting you all to our sukkah. We will be in touch.
warm wishes and shabbat shalom,
Karen & Aaron
Jane Sherrill
September 10, 2008
In the past 2 years I got to know Rob better. He had an apartment near my studio so I often ran into him on my way home. He was very supportive of my art career and attended all my art events. Recently we had exchanged emails about a photo he took of me with one of my paintings at my last opening. That opening was on a brutally hot night in a gallery with no airconditioning. Few people showed but dear Rob did.
Rob was incredibly kind and sweet. Once when I was less than enthusiastic about how my life was progressing, he made a point of checking in with me later about how I was doing. He truly wanted to know what was wrong. I found that deeply touching.
Rob and I often shared our love of Bob Dylan's music. Once a friend called to tell me laughingly that she had just met Bob Dylan. She was in the process of getting her teaching degree and in one of her classes they were to role play people they respected and converse with one another in character. Rob, unbeknownst to me, was in that same class and, of course, he was Dylan.
I will deeply miss Rob! I don't know how to express how pained I am by his death.
To his family—especially Joseph and Isaac—I wish I could have been with you when you were sitting shiva. I had to leave town soon after the funeral. Please know my thoughts are with you. And dear Joseph and Isaac, please always remember your father loved you tremendously.
Judy Remz
September 9, 2008
Rob clearly had a great sense of humor. I'll never forget his Purim costume where he dressed as "Where's Waldo"? It was just perfect! May his memory be a blessing.
Brian Oles
September 9, 2008
Beaker you always be a friend classmate and a teammate. I will never forgot how much fun we had in basketball! You will be missed by all. My God bless your children.
Victoria Truex
September 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with Beaker's family. At Muskingum, we were lucky enough to share many good times and laughs with Beaker and I know he continued to affect others lives through being a teacher and a father.
Crystal Knoll
September 8, 2008
This is such a sudden and tragic loss. I will always think back and smile about the wonderful times we shared! Singing and laughing through countless shifts at Starbucks, the campy movies we'd go see (remember Snakes on a Plane??), getting together for Thursday night SCRUBS on tv, late night jam sessions with the roomates on the back porch... What wonderul memories. I hope you are resting in peace my dear friend. Please know I am thinking of you always.
Pam Greenberg
September 7, 2008
I remember many things about Rob--his music, his goodwill, his wit and humor, a Shabbat dinner spent with him, Rachel, and his sons, his long hits and agile fielding in softball, but what I will remember most is Rob as a father. I was not a close friend and didn't know him at all before he became a parent, but it was as though becoming a father somehow completed him. I ran into him often with Joseph and Isaac, taking them to the Science Museum, park or playground. He played catch with Joseph between innings during softball. To say he loved his sons is, I think, an understatement. In many ways he lived for them. The last time I saw him he was talking about Joseph's accomplishments in science and math. "He is so far beyond me," he said, and his voice resonated with unmistakable pride. He talked of Isaac, who he said had reconciled himself to being the small man in the family. "What he lacks in height," Rob said, "he makes up for in spunk." I was only an acquaintance, but even from a distance I could see--besides his physical height--the length and depth of his connection to his sons. Rob, we will miss your gentle presence, your smile and your kindness. As far as I know, you never spoke poorly of anyone. But what will live on is your love for your sons and how it has helped shape them into the boys they are today. Let that love always shine for them as an eternal flame, illumining their path and giving them strength in their footsteps--now and always, in good times and hard times, wherever they may travel in this complicated journey of life.
Patti Talbott-Stepp
September 5, 2008
It is with a smile that I remember Robbie. He was always one of my favorite cousins and we always teamed up against our older sisters when we would get together in the summertime. It was our birth order duty to be as bothersom as we could be. I am sad that as we have gotten older, we have grown apart. You always think that there is plenty of time and then we are faced with reality of how short and fragile life really is. I would like to thank everyone who has signed this guest book and shared how Robbie touched your lives. It is a true testiment of the man that he was. I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. I can't help but think that he has already got the band warmed up.
September 4, 2008
September 4, 2008
Jay Panzarella
September 4, 2008
This is a terrible loss. I pray for his sons, who were the center of his world.
starbucks halloween crew
September 4, 2008
starbucks crew at fenway
September 4, 2008
Deborah Miller
September 4, 2008
I will always remember Rob as a sweet gentle soul who tried very hard to do his best. He loved children & teaching. I first met him at Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge & then at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston.
Susan Shevitz
September 4, 2008
To Rob's Family and Friends,
We are so terribly sorry for this enormous loss and will always remember Rob for his kind and gentle ways--- and for the enormous smile he flashed whenever he'd see or talk about his boys, Joseph and Isaac, or ask about mine.
"May you all be comforted together with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."
Susan Shevitz and Larry Bailis
Marya Axner
September 4, 2008
Rob was a sweet and caring man. We lived two doors down from him when our children were very young. I remember seeing him play with Joseph in their backyard and how happy they were together. I will miss him.
Jane (White) Henricks
September 4, 2008
Rob was a warm, sincere and funny person in college and obviously became even more so as father and teacher. What an honor to have known him. May God bring comfort with these wonderful memories to his family.
Susan Fusco-Fazio
September 3, 2008
Remembering Rob so clearly in my mind as I picture his warm face and caring ways. We worked together at Schechter School in Newton and we were friends. We had many great talks, laughs, and lunches together and supported each other in different ways. Rob was such a great co-worker and teacher. I know he touched the children. He certainly imprinted on my heart. He was funny and sweet, one of those rare people you meet in life that you know are special. Many of us at SSDS are thinking of Rob now as we begin school and have a heavier heart. Sending waves of love to Robs boys. You were so brave at the funeral and you would have made your Dad proud with your words and song.
Susan Fusco-Fazio
Trudy Fagen
September 3, 2008
It was a wonderful gift to teach along side this gentle soul, a children's whisperer. He made music out of math and tried desperately to slow us all down in this too fast world. I wish his family healing and only the best memories of a man gone too soon. Trudy (SSDS Boston)
Susan Axe-Bronk
September 3, 2008
I'll always remember the Purim skits that Rob and family did in Somerville. He brought laughter to so many people. Rob helped make our little Jewish community in Somerville very special. I'll miss him.
Nina Moliver
September 3, 2008
I remember Rob very well from the days I used to attend his congregation in Somerville. I am so sad for this loss. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Dennis and Rona Fischman
September 3, 2008
Miney, our hearts are with you and your entire family. Please know that we will be there for Rachel and your grandchildren as much as we can in the years ahead.
Mark Cunningham
September 3, 2008
Beaker, a true friend that always brightened any situation. Yes, you knew when he was in a room, not just because of his “small size” but because of his personality. I think back to days and nights at Muskingum and at the Kappa Sig house and Beaker always comes to mind and that brings a smile to my face. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family.
Jean Egan
September 3, 2008
Dear Miney -
So sorry to hear about Rob. I share your sorrow in the loss of your son.
Marian Olden
September 2, 2008
This morning I got the news of Mr. Davenport's death and I was so sad to hear of this news, that I just couldn't get myself together at work. But then I started thinking of all the jokes he told, all of the songs he sang, the talks between the walks back and fourth to the school buses afterschool made me smile and think of him in a good way and not a sad way.
Mr. Davenport I will miss you very much. I have lots of memories to keep me laughing and smiling while working together at Boston Renaissance.
We will miss you Mr. Davenport!!
Jim Bitzer
September 2, 2008
My prayers and sympathy to the family and friends that lost such a kind and gentle person -- the service in Newton was a reminder of how many live one persons kindness can affect.
Aaron Zaitchik
September 2, 2008
Rob was my second grade teacher at Solomon Schecter Day School and was one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. He made school fun which is not an easy thing to do. I send my regrets to his entire family.
Scott Buckley
September 2, 2008
It is sad that I’d only spoken to Beaker (Rob) a couple times since we graduated. I have countless memories of our life in a fraternity house that will always make me laugh. As I learn bits and pieces of his life since our days at Muskingum, I’m very proud of his adventures and accomplishments. I would be thrilled to learn he used his gifts as a writer to document them, but he was probably too busy moving onto the next adventure. He touched so many in many ways. His loss has made me reflect on how I can help others by his example as a teacher and humanitarian. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I wish his sons the comfort of happy memories and the knowledge that they have a guardian angel with a sense of humor.
E Haley
September 2, 2008
Beaker was always a bright spot in my memories of Muskingum. I raise a glass in his honor.
Allan Clapp
September 2, 2008
It is always sad to hear of the passing of a special person. Though I had not seen Rob since high school, the memories he leaves are forever. His wit, enthusiasm, humor, humbleness are just a few words that describe Rob and made him unique. The loss of Rob illustrates how fragile life can be but I am glad Rob did so much for so many! He lived life to the fullest. You are missed, Rob, but your memory lives on.
Blessings to your family, friends and all who knew you.
Steven Rodman
September 2, 2008
I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies on behalf of my 12 year old daughter, Madison Rodman, who was fortunate enough to have had Robert as a teacher at Solomon Schechter Day School. Madison was so sad to hear of this tragedy as she immediately recalled upon hearing the news how kind a person Mr. Davenport was and how great a teacher he was. Sincerely, Steven Rodman
Jay Fidanza
September 2, 2008
Yeah, Beaker was something alright. It was a blessing to have known him and to have worked with him in his previous (radio) life. Thank you to his mom because, as you know, the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree.
David Alexander
September 2, 2008
We are saddened by Robert's departure, but celebrate his life with great joy, as he gave to all of us in his Kappa Sigma Fraternity and his college friends from Muskingum College. What an experience to know Robert, to be one who knew his incredible personality, or simply to be called one of his friends. Life as we know it has lost a great friend, but God has brought home an even greater gift to his presence.
Peace to all who are saddened for his loss...warmth to those who can still smile for his memory.
David Alexander, Muskingum College colleague and friend
Jill Eskenazi
September 2, 2008
Our whole family was so saddened to hear of Rob's loss. Rob was an exceptionally kind and patient teacher who made a difference in our son's early education. We will remember him with great fondness, and we wish his children strength at this difficult time.
Suzanne Sullivan Geer
September 2, 2008
Robbie was a wonderful guy. He was always so funny and happy. He will be missed by so many. He made GHS a better place.
God bless his sons during this difficult time-
Meghan Baer
September 2, 2008
I was given the great pleasure of interacting with Rob on two levels; he was a fellow staff member with me at BRCPS and he was my daughter's reading specialist. Rob was a wonderful, kind human being. My daughter - who is notoriously shy - took to him immediately and loved working with him. She once told me that when she asked Rob why he was so tall he replied that it was because he was so smart his brain got full and the smartness had to start filling up his body! I agree with this because it is rare to find a teacher who can not only relate so completely to children of all ages, but that can make learning fun. My daughter's progress skyrocketed under his tutelage. We also ran into him almost daily on our walks to and from the train and I loved talking with him. He had a unique sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge. He so loved his family that he talked about them constantly. Please know that he will be missed as a teacher, friend and person. My greatest sympathies to your family. As one wise person said to me after the passing of my sister last year; "Rob was a special person, perhaps even too special for this earth".
Russ & Julie Kimball
September 2, 2008
Heartfelt condolances to all the family and friends of our friend and classmate Robbie Davenport. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May God grant you peace.
Bill Greene and Cal Ramsdell
September 2, 2008
On behalf of the Peace Action Warrior softball team, we send heartfelt condolences to the Davenport family. Rob was the witty, cheerful one on the team and we are deeply grieving his loss. More than a team member, Rob was a friend to all. He will forever be in our hearts and on the diamond with us.
Michael Johnson
September 2, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Davenport family during this sorrowful time. Robbie was such a great neighbor and friend when we were all growing up on Gold St. in Greenfield in the 1970's. Playing stickball on our makeshift stadium in the street in front of the house, or golf at one of the many nearby courses. Rob always made time for younger kids in the neighborhood. It is no surprise to me that he was loved by so many people everywhere. He was a kind-hearted soul who leaves behind a great legacy of caring.
Chris Kenny
September 2, 2008
Heartfelt condolences to the Davenport family on this very sad occasion. I knew Robbie from way back when we grew up on Cottage and Gold Streets in the Four Corners neighborhood of Greenfield. He was a remarkable guy - bright, creative, and very funny. I haven't seen him in many years, but thoughts of him make me smile - in fact, my daughters had our high school yearbook out recently, and I enjoyed telling them about the very tall kid wearing the "No, I Don't Play Basketball" t-shirt in one of the photos! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends - especially his two sons.
B Keyes
September 2, 2008
most sincere condolences to your family...life is fragile...to be held & cared for, to be shared with all the bumps & bruises of the journey...may your family rejoice in the wonderful man you were & the life you lived...
sunny boulet-keyes, Ohio
Ray Neades
September 1, 2008
Beaker was one of the best people I've ever known. I love him so much. He was my bes t friend for so many years. Words cannot explain how much he will be missed.
Nacie Graves
September 1, 2008
My condolences to the entire family. Please know that Rob was a wonderful teacher loved by many children, a civic minded man who traveled great distances and volunteered many hours to the election effort. Rob supported the efforts of all those who made the request of him and was a very talented guitarist/song writer. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was a true friend and a practicing angel. He leaves quite a legacy for his sons and I will truly miss his presence.
Farah Assiraj Blackmon
September 1, 2008
I sent you an email on the same day of your passing. I thought to myself today, that it's not like you to not respond. Sharing a classroom with you for two years has enabled me to be a better person due to your presence. If there was a gentler soul with a bigger heart I would not know, until I knew you. You have always been such a support and a listening ear that grounded me at my life when I was most vulnerable and weakest. Your love and dedication to your boys made me cherish you even more. All I can say is Thank you for touching my life and the many others!!! You are truly an angel, and I pray to Allah you are in peace.
You will forever be a part of me and my thoughts my friend!
~Farah Assiraj Blackmon
Lynne Smith
September 1, 2008
Words seem so inadequate. Memories are forever real - and so are Angels!!!!
Kim (Kelley) Teetzel (Muskingum)
September 1, 2008
To the entire Davenport family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. "Beaker" was a wonderful and unique soul -- and one who will be saddly missed by so many friends and family. My deepest condolences.
Kathy Kern-Ross
September 1, 2008
Rob “Beaker” you were always so kind to me, thank you. You were full of life and fun in everything you did. Your sons should know how much you were loved by so many people.
With my love, remembrance, and sorrow, (Muskingum '86)
Mike Cifelli
September 1, 2008
Beaker - words don't come close to describing the sadness we all feel right now. The news of your passing is trickling down from friend to friend and the reaction is the same - shock and fond remembrance. We shared a common interest - music - and though that our friendship grew. My heart is heavy today; you will not be forgotten.
"Brothers in Heart Throughout Life"
Chrissy Parkomaki
September 1, 2008
I am so saddened to hear of Rob's "Beakers" passing. He was a kind and unique soul. I will always remember him fondly.
Chrissy Russell Parkomaki (Muskie '85)
Mark Miller
September 1, 2008
Beaker, my friend, my wife and I will always treasure you showing us around this summer and the opportunity to catch up. To his sons, you are the stories he shared most, he was very proud.
September 1, 2008
I could never forget you Rob. You will always be in my heart & memories filled with fondness, love & laughter. I will miss you because you were you.
~j
K Kern
September 1, 2008
Beaker, Dispite the many years that have pasted since we have visited, I thought of you as a person of great heart and talent. You provided many laughs to the Kappa Sigs and all at Muskingum College in the early 80's. None of us knew what would be next! Both of your son's and family should be proud of you for you touched many peoples lives and sure made a difference. You will be missed.
debi talbott
September 1, 2008
Rob you will always be in my prayers. I remember going to your house on summer vacation, and watching you go down the hill on the go cart dad made for you . it was the fastest cart and you loved it so much.Remember going to Bitzer's and watching them ride their bikes into the water. what a hoot. you will be so missed. I pray you have peace . with love always, debi
Bob Turner
September 1, 2008
Though high school was many years ago, the freindships-no matter how distant; will always last and the memories that we hold near and dear to our hearts will live on forever. Thanks for the memories Robbie.
Joseph Canuel
September 1, 2008
God Bless you Robbie!
Thanks for being you!
Robert Canuel
September 1, 2008
To Robbie "Beacker" to a father,to a great friend,thank you for all that you ment to us.You will always be in our memories.Your lasting wit,your songs will always ring out.
Rick Archer
September 1, 2008
Rob "Beaker" as he was know to us was a dedicated father and great friend.
He was a talented self taught musician and will be greatly missed.
Valerie Schnoebelen
September 1, 2008
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all very much. We will keep the special memories of Rob close to our hearts. We always enjoyed your visits when Beth and Rob were kids. A special memory and lots of fun was the Go-Cart that Uncle Ray built for Rob to race the neighbor boys. We were not supposed to tell the secret of the quickness of the Go-Cart (the ballbearing wheels) to the neighbor boys. I was a youngster and was swearn not to tell! My husband and I were honored 21 years ago when Rob made a special trip to Iowa to attend our wedding! We are so sorry we can not be with you in this time of great sorrow. We would like to be there to support you, hug you, and share your tears! God bless you always! Love, Dolly, Greg, Andrew, Marie, Nicholas, Claire, & Sophia Schnoebelen, Iowa City, Iowa
Diane Klein
September 1, 2008
With my most heartfelt condolences.
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