Thanks for the moving photos and memories, James, Margaret and others! Robert really was a beautiful soul. He'd read the telephone book when I'd babysit for him way back in the 1970s. I am a coward and being in the big dark house as a teenager was somehow a little spooky to me, and his voice was comforting. He was an example for us all in his loving ways and affection for people, and I have sometimes wondered also what it was like for him in an era where there was so much less awareness and sensitivity about disability. I remember also how incredibly patient, generous and loving Bob and Carroll were with Robert, as they were with me and countless others. Sending warmest wishes, Orin
top of page
bottom of page
Susie Nickerson Palmarin
I loved how all the Brentano family, his grandfather Bob particularly, were so loving to Robert. His second name, which I had never known, was suitable for him because he was a kind of angel, like the angel Gabriel.
To all his family I wish to say how glad I was to meet all of you the many times you stayed here on the Giudecca,just one bridge away from us.
Bruno would agree with me. He is in heaven now, looking down on us.
Orin has put it so well, so concisely. I'll only add that Francie and I have a family ritual of long- standing that we renewed this morning, breakfast over the lovely placements woven by Rob and Co. and gifted to us by Bob, Carroll, and Rob. Gatherings in the Villa Brentano were always an event and couldn't get started or finished properly without Rob's greetings and hugs. On the Giudecca in Italian too, on the Fondamenta for aperitivi overlooking the channel where he was a favorite of vaporetto sailors who sailed him to camp and school. Rob's loving presence lives on with us in many memories and our morning ritual.