His name was Robert Le Rose. But generations of Westporters knew him as Bob or — even more familiarly — “Bobby Q.”
The owner of the popular downtown restaurant — the go-to place for ribs, casual conversation, fun, and a rooftop deck featuring bands and beer — died peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 56 years old,
Bob Le Rose
In 2012 Bob — who also founded Westport’s Blues, Views & BBQ Festival — was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer. Given 2 years to live, he beat that prognosis by nearly a decade.
Bob was born in Greenwich in 1965. From the baseball fields at Greenwich High School, to his DJ group Incognito, to Westport and Norwalk and his beloved Bobby Q’s, the University of Richmond, and everywhere in between, Bob left his mark.
He started his career at Del Monte Foods as a sales associate. He then worked for Gallo Wines, Poland Spring, Nestle Waters and Velocity.
Bob and his wife Kelley opened Bobby Q’s in 2004 in Westport, combining Bob’s passion for community and authentic Kansas City BBQ. The Blues, Views & BBQ Festival grew out of Bob’s love for music.
Countless projects in between reflected his desire to bring people together. That never changed, even during the toughest years of his life.
Bob is survived by his high school sweetheart Kelley; daughters Alex and Meghan; brothers James and Christopher, and loving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life is set for this Saturday (August 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich). To leave an online tribute, click here.
In 2012 Bob LeRose — founder of 2 Westport favorites, Bobby Q’s restaurant and the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival — was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer. He was given 2 years to live.
Over the next 10 years Bob endured numerous surgeries and countless treatments. He also opened new restaurants in Norwalk and Greenwich, continued to produce the Labor Day festival, and helped his wife Kelley raise 2 daughters.
But the disease has persisted. Bob needs physical and occupational therapy nearly every day, to regain his strength so he can get to the hospital for blood transfusions and immunotherapy. He also needs a special bed and wheelchair. Many other expenses are mounting too.
Nearly a decade of medical bills have taken a toll on the self-employed restauranteur. Bob’s many friends — all of whom have been touched by his generosity — are giving back.
A GoFundMe page has already raised over $100,000. Even more will be needed. Click here for more information, and to contribute. (Hat tip: Audrey Rabinowitz)
“06880” paid tribute to Barbara Pearson-Rac yesterday. She died Tuesday, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 75 years old.
Her official obituary notes that the Brooklyn native was inspired to serve her community because of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. She chaired Make a Difference Day for over 25 years, was president of the board of First Night Westport Weston, and vice president of the board of the Breast Cancer Survival Center.
She was also an author, writing a series of mystery novels featuring the character Diana Jeffries.
Barbara is survived by her husband Frank, daughter Sara, son-in-law Steve, grandsons Simon and Gabriel, sister Carol, brother-in-law Steve, nieces Amy and Erica, many cousins, and all the lives she touched through her community outreach and writing.
Her funeral is set for today (Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, New Jersey, 11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
“The Art of Jazz” includes live music by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, a live auction led by TV personality Dave Briggs, a silent auction, and entertainment by DJ Mo.
It’s Saturday, September 18 (7 p.m.) at the museum. For tickets and more information, click here.
On Tuesday Olaf and Elsa, domestic white rabbits, were abandoned outside Wakeman Farm. A call to Westport Animal Control brought the assistance of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.
Always-helpful Schulhof Animal Hospital stepped up to board the pair until an adopter or rabbit rescue organization is found. WASA purchased new rabbit bins for their comfort, and will fund their visit to a “rabbit vet specialist.”
Click here to donate to the cause. Interested adopters should call Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076) or WASA (203-557-0361).
Bob Meadows — director of the Westport Observatory — has just returned from the 85th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers (“the world’s oldest amateur star party”).
He’ll offer a report on August 17 (8 p.m., Rolnick Observatory, 182 Bayberry Lane). The public is invite. For more information, click here.
Speaking of art: Not everyone at Wilton’s Sunrise Assisted Living can get out and enjoy it. So Westporter Jane Hutchison is bringing it to them.
Next Wednesday (August 11, 4 to 6 p.m.), she’s arranged a show. Artists include Westport’s Nina Bentley, Mercedes Arenberg, and various local photographers.
Haskins Preserve is Westport’s somewhat-hidden-in-plain-sight gem on Green Acre Lane. You can read about it here — and see Rachel Markus’ great “Westport … Naturally” photo below:
As the setting sun broke through the clouds on Tuesday, after years of 2nd and 3rd place finishes, the Longshore Men’s 60+ tennis team clinched 1st place in their division of the Fairfield County Tennis League with a tense 6-4,4-6, 6-4 win over second place Milbrook. It was the very last match of the season.
And finally … on this date in 1888, Bertha Benz drove from Mannheim to Pforzheim and back. It is considered the first long distance automobile trip in history.
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