In the Memory of Rob Stone

Published in: MyMarist575.com and Marist College's school newspaper, "The Circle"

A celebration of the life of Robert Stone, friend and inspiration of many Marist students, on Nov. 13, was commemorated on the year anniversary of his passing.

“I hope Rob is remembered as a dedicated young man, filled with passion, who took actions to change the world,” Elora Stack, a friend of Stone’s said. “He accomplished and experienced more than most people do at his age. I hope he continues to stand as an inspiration to everyone who knew him, and even those who did not. He was my biggest mentor, and continues to motivate me to this day. The legacy he left behind can never be forgotten.”

While Stone was abroad last fall, traveling to in Rome, Italy, the news of his death was devastating to so many students and faculty. One year later, a remembrance concert was put on in The Cabaret, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Students Andy Clinkman, Andrew Fritzer, Janice Feng, Stephen Azierski and Elora Stack came together to create this event for their friend they each cared for during their time at Marist.

The friends of Stone were able to get Marist’s a cappella group Time Check to sponsor the event and pull together many other a cappella groups from other colleges to sing at the event. The women’s a cappella group on campus, The Sirens; The Orcapelicans from Bard College; Male Call from SUNY New Paltz and On a Different Note from Drew University sang for the event.

The event’s staff was hoping to raise about $1,500, and with about 200 guests, they were able to raise over $1,800. As help to get more attendees and donations, companies and restaurants like Bull and Buddha, Pleasant Ridge, Giacomo’s, Twisted Soul, The Marist Bookstore, Café Bocca and many other donated baskets and gift cards for a raffle during the event. Also, Marist Security offered a one month “park anywhere” pass, and the non-profit organization that Stone worked with, Invisible Children, were able to contribute a basket of materials.

The event was set up so the audience could experience who Stone was and learn things about him that they might not have known about him. Photographs that Stone took were on display, DVDs, posters of Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley, Giants sweatshirt, a ceramic figure of Africa made by his sister Megan, a map of where Stone had been in the past and where he wanted to travel, his soccer ball and cleats, Invisible Children book, paintball metal, hiking equipment and other items, were all out for the audience to see. Each item had a note saying what each item meant to Stone and why they were important in his life.

“I thought the event was really nice and I liked the music groups that came to perform,” attendee Erica Rascati said about the event.

In between the singing and the raffles, and the intermission where Sodexo donated cookies, tea and coffee, friends of Stone, Feng and Michael Napolitano were willing to speak at the event. Feng discussed who Stone was as a person and the memories they shared during their friendship. Napolitano discussed the realizations he formed after Stone’s death. He described how now he never wants to take anything for granted, not get caught up in the little things, and truly appreciate the friendships he has today.

People don’t realize the influence they make on others, and never appreciate the things they have every day.

To help the remembrance of Stone, after Feng and Napolitano spoke, the song “Forever Young” played, and a slideshow of pictures of Stone and his own photographs played. The slideshow was put together by Feng and a few other friends of Stone.

After the closing words of Stone’s friends, Time Check once again sang, but sang one of Stone’s favorites: Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”

“I think it was a perfect way to honor Rob,” Stack said. “Everyone came together and it felt right to be with everyone who knew and loved Rob. I can’t think of a better way to spend the anniversary. It truly celebrated his life,” Stack said.

All proceeds from the event are going into a bench that will be placed next to Donnelly Hall hopefully this upcoming spring semester. All proceeds that aren’t needed for the bench will be donated to Invisible Children.