On Friday, November 21st, a crowd gathered in the main building to pay remembrance to Robert Rubino. His mother- Rosina Linda, sister, nephews, niece, cousins, family friends, GEC Board members and members, as well as GEC employees were present to celebrate. Mrs. Rubino and Joe Riley talked about memories of Robert, and the crowd chuckled when we heard the familiar, “you- hoo.” Mrs. Rubino noted that Robert will forever remain in our hearts and all the GEC day program participants will be able to benefit from the Smart Tables that were purchased in his honor. Each table is engraved “In Loving Memory of Robert Joseph Rubino.”
Mrs. Rubino and Mrs. Sena earmarked the proceeds from the Radio Bingo fundraising event that was held in September for the purchase of the Smart tables; Mrs. Rubino thanked all those who donated and especially the Manino family for their generous contribution, which allowed the purchase of not one but two Smart tables. One Smart table has been delivered to the Fischetti program and another will be placed in the Mastronardi program, but will be used by program participants from all the Bay Ridge programs. In addition to the unveiling of the Smart table, President Sena was on hand to reveal the stone that was purchased by the Board of Directors for GEC's Tree of Life. Robert’s stone was placed next to his father’s.
Following the dedication, Mrs. Rubino also provided light refreshments (cookies, chocolate covered pretzels and Robert’s favorite, brownies) for a small reception that followed. It was a lovely memorial for a very special person.
