TRIBUTES FROM THE COMMUNITY “I am holding deep gratitude and deep sadness as I reflect on the life of Br. Robert Lavelle. Br. Robert was the Head of School at Gilmour when I was a student, and years later, he welcomed me back, first as a student teacher, and then as a teacher. His impact extended far beyond the walls of the school. He touched my life, my family, and countless others with his steady presence, wisdom, and quiet confidence in goodness. He led with faith, compassion, and hope, never loudly, but always powerfully. Br. Robert was truly a beacon of hope, and his legacy lives on in the people he shaped, supported, and inspired to serve others. May he rest in peace, and may we continue to carry forward the light he so generously shared.”
− Jessica Grassi Simonetta ’05, Gilmour Upper School teacher, current parent
“We shall never forget Brother Robert as a caring, kind, inspirational leader of Gilmour. He was a man who showed his deep faith and love for young people and their families. This was true for our family during difficult times. Brother Robert was willing to do what no other head of a school we talked to would do. Our son Michael had been in a devastating accident when he was 8 years old. He miraculously lived with serious medical issues. He was turned away at many schools, including the one he had been attending. He was home schooled by his family. By middle school we knew he needed to be socially with other young people. Brother Robert was willing to take a risk having a seriously ill young man at Gilmour. He and the faculty shepherded Michael as well as our family through these years until Michael graduated. We are eternally grateful to Brother Robert for his care, love and compassion and the decision that allowed Michael to experience a more normal life, an excellent education, and the care and love of the Gilmour community.” − Kathy and Jim Pender, past parents, past grandparents, Trustees “Br. Robert provided steady, vision-oriented leadership for decades. His desire to put Gilmour and its students at the core of his decision making has paid enormous dividends over the years. He laid the foundation for what Gilmour has grown into, which is a shining light in Catholic education. Our community mourns his loss, but can forever be grateful for the leadership he provided. RIP Br. Robert.” − Dan Hyland ’83, past parent, Trustee “I remember Brother Robert, shortly after he became Headmaster, coming to me, following a presentation I gave in the library to my classmates. He approached and told me I had the ability to lead and encouraged me to exercise and improve those skills. I have no idea if that type of instruction was part of his standard repertoire. It doesn't matter. What does matter is that I took the encouragement as possibility, and have spent these subsequent years striving to embody what he saw. My efforts to be of service are modeled on his, and all the brothers’ and priests’ of Holy Cross, example. Openness and thoughtfulness are not easy. To be of service is not easy. Like any craft, they take discipline and effort and commitment. Brother Robert lived them all. Thank you, Brother, for helping form the man I am today.” − Vince Guarino ’81
After attending Br. Robert’s funeral, several Upper School students reflected on how the experience deepened their understanding of his impact on the Gilmour community. "Leaving the Mass, I felt a new sense of appreciation for Gilmour and for all of the people who, like Br. Robert, dedicated their lives to the community. Brother Robert’s life made me reflect on what it truly means to leave something lasting behind. He gave his life to this school, and in doing so, he gave generations of students a place that feels like home." — Campbell Hairston ’27 “One of the most powerful moments of the funeral for me was when the bagpipes began playing ‘Amazing Grace’ I remember getting goosebumps almost instantly. Even though the music itself was loud, it felt like the quietest Gilmour has ever been. Not because there was literal silence, but because it felt like Gilmour had lost something so meaningful that the entire community collectively paused to acknowledge it. In that moment, it felt as if the school itself was grieving. It made me realize that Br. Robert was not just an individual, but someone whose presence helped shape the spirit of the place we experience every day.” — Lilly Dinehart ’27
"Most of the student body never had the opportunity to meet him, but our presence mattered. The number of people surrounding him at the funeral was just one example of the work he has done on this earth and his legacy at Gilmour. By showing up, we showed great respect for his life. It was a way of showing gratitude for what he left us with; a community joined together by strong leadership and devotion. It prompted me to remember why Gilmour is the school that it is today. It is not just a place for learning, but a home to many. The community is built around shared faith, values, and support even when it is hard.” — Julia Aziz ’28 “The strong sense of community, faith, and service that students experience daily did not happen by accident. It was shaped by the dedication of the Brothers of Holy Cross, including Br. Robert. His life of service helped establish the norms we now live out: respect, compassion, and commitment to our mission.” — Maddie DeWeese ’26
Gilmour | SPRING 2026
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