Gift, smile, compassionate, family, love
A bright light in the lives of those who loved him, Robbie was adopted at just two weeks old by his parents, Lois and Steven. “He was the answer to our prayers when God put him in our lives,” Lois stated. “We were a perfect match with Robbie, amazingly he looks just like my husband.”
Robbie grew into a caring, enthusiastic, and compassionate young man. He excelled in sports. Hockey and soccer were his first loves. He also participated in baseball and football and developed a talent for carpentry under his father’s guidance. His smile could light up any room, and his hugs were legendary.
In third grade, Robbie befriended a boy with autism, showing empathy when others wouldn’t. Later, he protected his friend Jillian in high school, warning others “not to mess with her.” The family cherished vacations to North Carolina, New Hampshire, Maine, Marco Island, the Grand Canyon, White Head Island in Canada and Washington DC. They also took a Disney cruise celebrating Lois and Steven’s 20th anniversary and Robbie’s tenth birthday. Other fond memories include Robbie’s mom teaching him how to cook and bake, though it may have been more about Robbie eating, and dancing around the kitchen at the holidays and being silly. No matter what the family was doing, they did it together, thoroughly enjoying the time spent in each other’s company.
Robbie attended the vocational high school his mother went to and took up carpentry as his father did before him. Robbie later worked alongside his dad. An only child, he formed deep bonds with teammates and friends, including PeeJay, who was like a brother to him. Family was very important to Robbie and his bonds remained tight. After Robbie’s passing, his friend Anthony asked to name his son after him, an honor Lois and Steven gratefully accepted.
Voted MVP at one high school soccer game, Robbie dreamed of playing college hockey. However, his journey took a challenging turn as he struggled with substance use disorder (SUD) for four years. His family recalls the darkness that accompanied addiction, but also the moments of sunshine during recovery.
Steven is on the Board of Directors of a Sober House where a room is named for Robbie. Both Steven and Lois speak publicly, sharing Robbie’s story. Steven has spoken at the State House and talked with agents at the Drug Enforcement Agency. Lois writes supportive posts for “Angel Parents” on social media to teach awareness, for those who have lost a child to the disease of addiction, and also to help those in recovery.
“Losing our only child is the worst thing in the world,” Lois stated. But their mission is clear: to help others navigate this journey and provide support to those struggling with addiction, in honor of their son.
Robbie’s mother, Lois Goodell, provided the information for this narrative.
January 29, 1994-October 19, 2015-Age 21
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
