Robert John Belanger

We have been blessed to have met Belanger family at Riderwood when Carsyn and Brandon were in kindergarten together,and what an amazing family they are and wonderful friends! Natasha, you have always been an inspiration of love and strength, you amaze me! Carsyn and Addison, you girls have always been a tremendous blessing to your parents and you will help each other along the way! Rob, one of our dearest friends, the epitome of faith, love, family devotion and everlasting friendship taught our family a great deal! Everytime we spoke with him after Sunday night mass he would hug us all and tell our children, God is Good! He inspired me everytime I talked with him and displayed such an incredible amount of strength through the Grace of God! We are here for you girls and your mom, and we know you have incredible memories with Rob! We are so grateful and blessed to have had his friendship! Please know how much we love you and are here for you! Natasha, Carsyn and Addison and all of your family are in our hearts and prayers! ❤️

~ Kimberly Dabkowski

Dear Natasha, Carsyn and Addie:

I don't know the pain of losing a husband. I don't know the hurt of losing a father as a child. So I will not say, "I know how you feel." I don't. But here is how I feel. I feel broken-hearted and at the same time so very fortunate to have been blessed by Rob's presence and witness to us, those who sit anonymously in a church pew dealing with our own lives, our particular pain, our unusual situations. Rob was a great blessing to everyone who ever had the privilege of hearing him worship, hearing him lead from his heart. You will likely never know how many people he influenced for God. Rob spoke God's word and spoke it in a way that uniquely reached each person who had the privilege to hear him worship, to emulate him in his heartfelt praise, and to grow deeper as a child of God because of his example.

I cannot say I understand your pain. So may I simply say this: Thank you. Thank you for sharing your husband, your father, with us, the thousands, tens of thousands, who benefited so greatly from his voice, his heart and his soul. Thank you.

~ K L

~ Darby Pugh

I didn't know Rob personally. I knew him through other people. I knew what kind of guy he was. He was good and he was strong. I'm not a person who can share personal stories with you. I'm a person on the outside, who knew what kind of person he was from the stories I heard. He was so loved. I lost my Dad when I was 25 years old. He was an amazing man. It was not fair. This is not fair. Life is not fair. Rob's kids and wife... you don't know me. ... but I'm praying for you. Im so sorry.

~ Jill Dettor

Wow - what a bring light snuffed out too soon. I remember Rob from High School and then from MBNA where he hired me as a telemarketer after an interview that had me sell him on the wonderful fantastic features of the ordinary stapler on his desk and then again at the Cool Kids Campaign fundraisers where my daughter modeled in the American Girl doll fashion show. There was Rob - cheering everyone on with a bright smile and an infectious warmth. Tonight there is a great loss for his family and his community - may they find peace in the stories and the hugs that only time can mold into comforting memories in the says to come <3

~ Kathryn Mays

I'm sure I have a video somewhere, but I always insisted that we work in The Beatles Yesterday into our sets with Rob on Accoustic guitar. He didn't really want to do a solo. I insisted because he was so incredibly genuine and his voice incredibly pure. Those moments are a representation of Rob's soul.

~ Jason Simon

I was in a production of Bye Bye Birdie in high school with Rob. He was the lead which was fitting because, as underclassmen, we looked up to him as one of the older, cool kids. (Pun intended)

There's a scene when Rob chugs a beer. Seeing as it's high school, they gave him a fake can to drink. However, on the night of the performance, Rob switched it out with a full can of real beer. Opened it on stage at the appropriate moment and proceeded to drink the whole thing. It was the 80's... the faculty was none too pleased but shrugged it off as a senior prank.

~ Bill Patterson

In college at Towson State, I was in an acting class with Rob. We had never met and I only knew who he was because of his last name. We were paired to do a scene from a Neil Simon play for one of our assignments. I barely remember practicing together, and I think we did a pretty good job. I mostly remember one of my friends was very jealous because she had a crush on Rob. Our paths never crossed again, but our lives did. A few years later, my now husband played in the same softball league in Timonium with Rob and his brother. Fast forward several years later, to when I began working at Franklin Square and I met Natasha. She is one of the most caring people I have ever met. I don't think Rob would have remembered me, and if I had not met Natasha, I wouldn't have recognized him if I ran into him, but it just goes to show that you never know how the people you meet shape your life. I am so very glad I can say I knew him when and now am able to call Natasha a friend.

~ Karen Benton

When Kelly was pregnant with the girls I decided to take a hiatus from playing music to focus on the chaos of twins to come. Life eventually settled down and a chance run-in with Rob Belanger while I was working at Camden Yards turned into an opportunity. I'd known Rob from years before when we shared some bills around town with Jinn Men and Burst Of Silence, and shortly after we crossed paths he needed a bass player to fill in for a couple of shows. I rolled into Clyde's Of Chevy Chase later that week with 40 songs worth of cheat sheets and a hodgepodge bass rig that I'd hurriedly thrown together and, along with Max Mueller and Nick Bertling, we never looked back...

I owe Rob a debt of gratitude for bringing me back and reminding me just how much I enjoy what can sometimes seem like a thankless endeavor. We play music because it's part of who we are. He was a gifted singer/guitarist and one hell of a songwriter as well, but more than that - with no disrespect to everyone else I know - I can't think of a more down to Earth and genuine person.

I remember a rehearsal we had at Dee's (Rob's mother) house. I was in the middle of confessing to him how I used to throw a tennis ball against a wall to practice my fielding skills while referring to myself as either Brooks Robinson or Mark Belanger as we loaded our gear into the house, and as we went down the stairs there were several of Mark's Rawlings Gold Gloves sitting on a shelf. I was a bit awestruck and Rob was watching me and smiling. I could tell how proud Rob was of his dad, but it was never boastful.

I worked with him to design some logos and brochures for The Mark Belanger Golf Classic, which would later morph into the Cool Kids Campaign, a non-profit that is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families, of which he was the Chairman and co-founder. Rob was not very computer-savvy, which was a running joke between us because he used to call me often to see if I could help with his Windows-based angst, but one day the call was for something different... He asked me if I might be available to play in the church band he was putting together and I respectfully declined saying something to the effect of, "I want you to have a church to go to, not a smoldering pile of ashes." We laughed that day but soon got busy with our own schedules and didn't cross paths for a while.

When I found out he was sick I reached out to Natasha and his response was classic Rob, he just wanted to know how I'd been and what I was up to. He displayed nothing but dignity in the face of a horrific circumstance. He told me to keep posting absurd things on Facebook, as Natasha would relay them to him when he needed a laugh. I last saw him when TWSS played the Towsontown Festival earlier this year and he seemed like his old self. I was truly hopeful that he'd beaten cancer because I couldn't think of a person who would've done more with a new lease on life. Rob fought for years and continued to be an agent for good along the way, but today he passed away. This is the point where I resist the urge to lash out at the unfair nature of nature. I am saddened. I am angry. My heart goes out to Natasha and their daughters, his family and friends, and anyone who had the chance to know him. Rest easy, my friend.

- Bronson Wagner

~

To my friend Rob Belanger and his family....our minds are saddened today that you are no longer here with us physically, but to each and every person that you have met along this journey called life, our hearts are truely honored and grateful to have known you and have you in them. Although we never saw each other from day to day, when we did see each other it was like it had only been yesterday. You mean so much to so many that you will ALWAYS live on in our hearts, our memories, and our prayers. You sir, inspire us all to be the best that we can be for ourselves and to each other. Heaven just got another ray of sunshine today. Some of my favorite memories are with you and your family, watching you play your music, playing softball, hanging out at the house afterwards. Until we meet again...Take care and rest easy my friend

Steve Smith

~ Steve Smith

I didn't know Rob personally. I only spoke with him oe time. I was getting ready to play at the 40 hours service at Nativity when I saw the lyrics to one of the songs I had planned go sing on the music stand.
Rob happened to come walking by and I introduced myself and asked him if he had just sung that song already because I didn't want to do a repeat of it. He put his hand on my shoulder and said "No. You're good to go."
It may sound strange but that jesture impressed me and it felt as if he was a close friend who was patting me on the back with reassurance. He was such an authentic, reverant, and fantastic worship leader and so many people were truly blessed by his music. He will certainly be sorely missed.

~ Brian Cooney

I was there when Natasha got the call from the Doctor in the beginning. Our daughters had an activity together and having the same physician (thankfully for a different reason) I knew what it meant and I could tell they were in for a long fight. From the very beginning Rob never waivered nor showed a hint of giving up. Volunteering alongside him at countless softball practices and games, and while pushing a camera in his face at the Church of the Nativity stage, he was the picture of determination and showing all of us how to deal with adversity. I marveled at his resolve every week. We will miss him but always remember his bravery and compassion for others in the face of incredible odds. Prayers to the family and please let us know of anything we may be able to do in order to help.

~ Paul Stefano

I only met Rob and Natasha once at a Christmas party about five years ago. I didnt know anyone there except my husband. Rob and Natasha sat with me and took time to talk;not five or ten minutes but for about two hours. Among a few topics, Rob shared a really funny story about his and Natasha's first date. It was detailed and silly and heart felt. Something about his sincerity and genuine "way" left an impact on me. Any time my husband brought up his name over the years I thought back about that night, that conversation. We have conversations every day with so many people and it seems there are a small few who are some how some way so memorable. Rob was one of those people.

~ Caroline Wolf Trimp

Rob was your trusting friend, as if your presence brought a smile to him. I remember high school summer days pulling into a packed driveway at his home to meet friends and watch band practice. It was a great place to catch up on the news of the day. Burst of Silence was our high school band we supported because they were our friends. The band had a few different members during the years but it was Rob that kept the heart of the band at its’ center. He was an artist and person that enjoyed tradition and values. He wrote and covered songs about love, hope, and peace. He cared about you and your thoughts. One afternoon before the band showed up Rob and I were chatting about U2, music, soccer, and friendship. Without asking, he simply reached for his black and white Stratocaster and played a few unplugged minutes of a new song he was writing. It felt like he wrote the song for me, and was simply asking the children of the 80’s to slow down a little, get to know your neighbor, because maybe you’ll find a new friend to share this moment with. In a year that took many of our musical hero’s into the recording studio in the sky, Rob was our Bowie, Prince, Frey, Michael, and more. Just as he placed others before himself on this earth, he’s writing songs for all of us to play when we show up for band practice.

~ Glenn Crist

Natasha, Carson and Addison,

Thank you for sharing with me the opportunity to meet with Rob. Those Saturday mornings while you girls were making breakfast with your dad, he and I were able to sit at the kitchen table and open the Bible together. There were times we would meet at the local coffee shop and you guys would come along Your dad has the most special place in my heart and he loved you all like Noone I know. I am grateful that he was able to meet with me on my visits to Maryland with the most recent visit I didn't want to leave. He taught me that the best plan for my life is to remain where God has placed me. I know He placed his hope in the Lord Jesus and sang in his song how he thanked Him for saving him. He certainly has blessed me and so many others with and thru his gifts of music. I will miss him, and be forever thankful and grateful that God allowed me the time to spend with him.
Our prayers are for you during this time.
Jon Hudgins

~ Jon Hudgins

Natasha, Carsyn, and Addy - I know you know how special Rob was, and how many people he touched in his life. I was one of the lucky ones who got to know him and spend a lot of great times with him. I wrote this little piece on my FB page that was just a pinprick of all the things I remember about him. I found a picture of him smiling and laughing and it triggered so many memories. He was such an amazing man, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all right now.

I met this skinny kid back when I was a skinny kid in the 80's. He shopped at the guitar store I worked in and had this incredibly beautiful high tenor voice. I immediately hired him to sing a song I had written that needed his voice. And from that day on he became a dear friend. We ended up sharing a manager with our respective bands who used to put us on the road together. I remember us going out to buy a “Two Band Tent” so we could all save a little money on the road. The tent was huge and housed both bands, band helpers, and whoever else we invited from whatever town we'd be playing in. Those tours gave me the loudest laughs I've ever had, and the best road stories I still tell to this day. When we weren't playing, we were still hanging out, making music, commiserating, scheming, helping one another, and laughing... always laughing. Mostly, we were just being friends. I forced him to fly fish. We would go camping even when we didn't have to save money on hotels. Once, we got lost in a raft on the Shenandoah river in the middle of the night and had to navigate rapids in the pitch black. I'm pretty sure he forgave me for that one. Years later, when we got busy with our respective lives, it always seemed like no time had passed when we'd catch up. I can always pick his voice out on all the group vocals I recorded with us and other artists. He always stuck out in a crowd. I will miss you dearly Rob, and always remember you this way...

~ Scott Smith

There are people you meet and then wonder, is that an act? Someone who is so incredibly thoughtful, humble, and downright nice that it only seems right to question the authenticity.
I'm ashamed to admit I initially thought that way about Rob Belanger. And it didn't take long to realize my folly.
10 years ago he asked for my help in promoting a celebrity golf tournament to benefit this new charity he had co-founded with Chris Federico called the Cool Kids Campaign.
His humility in asking for help followed by a delightful conversation about what they were trying to accomplish was so powerful. Then the conversation turned towards his dad, former Oriole great Mark Belanger. Stories he told about growing up in the O's clubhouse and the fun he had at spring training mesmerized me. The phone call lasted 30 minutes and I was hooked.
Whatever Cool Kids needed, I was on board (And now I'm proud to act as a board member).
Rob never made played professional sports, but one look at his golf swing and you knew he had his dad's genes. Of course, just looking at his face as the spitting image of Mark and you knew that too.
His talents extended to music as well, a gifted singer and guitarist, he played in the band at Church of the Nativity.
Today he passed away after a 3 year battle with cancer. I'm so thankful to have known him, and called him a friend. What makes writing this particularly hard though, I was in the car on my way to visit Rob in the hospital when I learned of his passing. Timing can be a real S.O.B.
Please share your thoughts and prayers with his wonderful family, and if you have a little to spare, a donation to Cool Kids Campaign in his honor would be a wonderful gesture.

~ Pete Gilbert

I joined Church of the Nativity in the Spring of 2011. Rob was the Band representative at the new member "orientation". The entire staff was warm and welcoming but even in that amazing group, Rob stood out. The smile, the twinkle in his eye, the humility, the sense of humor -- he made a huge first impression. Like tens of thousands of others through the years, my spirits have been lifted up by his worship music week after week. He was SO excited to announce the arrival of the Nativity Christmas CD and I'm so glad to have it and to have been able to give it as a gift this year -- to give the gift that Rob just kept giving - love of God and love of one another. I can think of no better legacy.

~ Jane Silvestri

I have been an occasional visitor to Nativity and always seemed to attend when Rob was leading the band. He was always authentic in his Worship. I felt the presence of God through his music. As a fellow church musician, I was drawn to the history of the music program at Nativity. I spoke to Rob every time and he was always welcoming. He has been my inspiration to make my own music real, connect with the people, and move my church towards contemporary music.

Rob was truly an Angel on Earth and bore witness to his great faith. He was always a humble servant in every way. I am sorry for your loss, but know that he will always be with us with his spirit.

Mary Butler

~ Mary Butler

Thank you for all the ways you have been there for me. All our breakfast meetings, post mass chats, very long phone conversations, for your prayers, thank you for leading worship at mine and Maria’s wedding, and for bringing your wonderful family to celebrate with us.

Thank you for how you lead me as an artist, I embraced the challenge to keep up with your level of professionalism, quality and passion you brought to... your worship.

Thank you for believing in me.
You’ve taught me so much about what it is to be a man after God’s heart.

- Lucas Busko

~

When I was 12, I heard rock being played on the other side of the spring branch in Timonium. I walked over to find Robbie Belanger and his friends rehearsing in a garage. It was my first real up close rock experience. He invited me to come over whenever they rehearsed. It was the first time I saw artists of my contemporary create and perform. Burst of Silence was their band. When I reached High School, I would get them hired to play most of... our as well as our sister schools' dances. My favorite creation of theirs was a rendition of Earth Angel as a reggae song. In time Robbie went from big brother to friend. When I went to Easter Mass at the time of my father's passing, I heard a familiar voice coming from the choir. It was Robbie. We hugged and talked about his own struggle with his father's as well as his own cancer. I was fortunate to see Rob again at Easter this year. We talked about being a Catholic and an Artist living in Baltimore. Today we lost Robbie Belanger after a long struggle with prostate cancer. I will miss him dearly. He was always a port in the storm.

- Bernd Linhart

~

I met Rob in college, and he was a solid, kind, down to earth dude, and I remember thinking how cool it was that I knew the son of the Orioles shortstop I grew up with as a little kid, but he seemed just like any of us. The next time i saw him was many years later at my parent's church, playing and singing and still looking like his Dad.

- Frank Batavick

~

Though I have always seen Rob at neighborhood events, the pool and at Riderwood, I never really spent a lot of time with him until last fall when I had the opportunity to carpool with him for a class field trip for his daughter and my son. It was a beautiful day and the conversation was easy and interesting. I knew about Rob's health battle, but he seemed so full of life and happy that I allowed myself to question if he had miraculously beaten the illness. But I now know that it was just his incredibly positive attitude that was shining through! He will not be forgotten. All my best to Natasha, Carsyn and sweet, sweet Addy- You will be in my thoughts...

~ Amy Black

The Belangers were my neighbors growing up, very early in my life. I haven't seen them in ages, but i remember many days crawling around the garage floor picking up guitar picks long before i ever knew why guitar picks were cool.

- Jess Pfohl

~

I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and brother, Rob Belanger. I met Rob many years ago when he was still in high school. He, Max Mueller, Jeff Knabe, and Ted Thompson recruited me to join their band -- which became Burst of Silence. Many hours and many miles that I will forever cherish. He was a incredible person and truly am honored and blessed for the time we spent together, the music we wrote, the times we laughed, the times we plucked on one another's nerves, the times we sat around chatting and having a beer. Words can not really express the emotions that I am feeling right now -- so I'll just let Rob sing them... RIP my friend.

- Mike Watson

~

Robbie and Rich and I played baseball from flea league thru pony ball. One year, we were teammates, 79 or 80 I was struggling to throw strikes and Robbie walks up to the mound and starts singing Wake Up a LIl Suzy, Wake up. Not your typical advice on a mound conference. Anywho, he walks back to shortstop and just kept singing , "who gonna tell your ma? Who gonna tell your pa?" I couldn't stop laughing while trying to pitch but it worked. It kept me from feeling the pressure of trying to throw strikes. He kept it up the whole damn game. Robbie just had a way about him. Let me add, while it would be impossible to live up to his fathers defensive prowess, you could absolutely see elements of it when he played shortstop. When he would go into the hole and backhand a ball it was a mirror image of the way his dad did it.

- Chris Elwood

~

Several years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to become friends with this wonderful man. For the last few years he fought a horrible battle with cancer. As far as I know, He never complained, he never felt sorry for himself and he never stopped giving of himself to others. He was one of the best coaches Grace has ever had. He was one of the best disciples of the lord I've ever known. He was one of the best dads I've ever known. He was one of the best.... You will truly never be forgotten. You will truly never know how how many lives you touched. I wish I could be more like you. I wish I could have told you.

- Chip Black

~

Fall of 1992, I was a freshman at Dulaney High School. I went in early to help my dad set up the Homecoming dance that year, as I did with many special events. I remember the band was setting up, and I got to meet them all, and my Dad already knew the main guy. They were Burst Of Silence, and I knew a little about them, but got to see them that night. They asked me to sit in at the beginning of their second set, and I got to play in front of a crowd of people I'd just started... school with, and people who had long since graduated. It was an exuberant night, and I was a fan long after that.

A few years after graduating, I found myself being asked to play some "percussion" with Max Mueller and Rob Belanger. We played all sorts of venues together at first, then started to play more regularly and with different bass players. Bronson Wagner joined us pretty early on, and we worked all the time, until I moved away and got married. They all came and played my first wedding, and were super kind to do so. We had a lot of fun.

My mom got sick not terribly long after that, and she passed away. Rob was there at her funeral with us all. Having been through it with his Dad, he knew exactly how it all felt.

I've been away, and never really got the chance to reconnect or say goodbye, but here's to all the long laughs we had together, all the nervous farting onstage, all the great songs we got to play, and all the smiles we shared.

I'll miss you Rob. Big hugs from me to the whole Belanger family, and I'll never forget you for giving me the chance in the first place. You were better than this world.

- Nick Bertling

~

Natasha,

Our hearts are aching for you, Carsyn and Addy as well as all those Rob has touched -- our family included. As I read all of the amazing Rob stories of love, patience, inspiration and kindness, we realize the many people Rob touched beyond our softball family. Rob gave so much of himself to everyone, we owe YOU gratitude for sharing him with all of us.
Our fondest memories of Rob will be from Emma's final year on the Lazer's team. Rob was so patient with us as we struggled to decide what was best for Emma. John and I will be forever grateful for his long talks with us on the phone, his selfless commitment to the girls and the long hours on the cold, hot, wet and dusty fields. He gave his all to the girls...not to win, but to develop each girl to be the best they could be. They will be one of his many legacies. Rob was not just a coach, he became our dear friend whose love seemed endless. We will miss him. He raised the bar for all of us striving to make the world a better place. We pray that you find comfort in his forever love for you and the sweet memories.

~ Lori Paine

Softball has been a very big part of my life for the past 12 years. Ever since Mia and Alexa started in the 5 year old program with our local rec. council it has been going strong. Between both daughters I’ve calculated that they have played in approximately 850 games…that’s games (not including practices or lessons). Both have played on rec teams, middle school, high school and USSSA travel teams. Through all off that, one of the biggest constants has been Alexa’s head coach for her travel team for four years in a row, Rob Belanger. Rob is the son of Mark “The Blade” Belanger who played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1965-1981. You can tell that Rob comes from an athletic family, because he always wants to compete at a high level and works hard to get the most out of his team while always remembering that his team is a group of teenage girls. I don’t mean that in a patronizing way…I have seen these girls fight hard and kick some a$$...I just mean that Rob knows where that line is between encouraging kids and crushing spirits. (You’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen coaches scream at their girls during a game). Rob would always want to make sure that he not only had a team of competitive girls, but also a group of supportive families too. I once overheard him say that he drafts families as much as he drafts players to his team. He also makes sure that siblings are included too. Although Mia was never officially on his team (different age group) Rob always made Mia feel included in everything. His team has truly become a second family for us...as Dads, Moms and kids are all together for countless hours every week. Rob has a wife and two daughters, a job, is very active in his church and is Chairman/Co-Founder of “Cool Kids Campaign” (a non-profit that is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by focusing on the academic, social and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis). While doing all this, he still finds time to be an excellent coach that my daughters have had the pleasure of being around. I can’t express how much of an impact Rob has made on Alexa. As the only head coach (on a travel team) that Alexa has ever had, she wants to fight in every game for Rob.

Today, Rob passed away after fighting cancer for a few years. From one father to another, I’ll never be able to thank him enough for being a huge positive force in my daughter’s lives. He was truly a giant among men.

~ Steve Dikos

Dear Natasha,

Our first meeting with Rob was at Barbie's apt years ago. He impressed both Dick and I then. His attention to us was disarming. From then on he always went out of his way to make us feel included.Dick felt very highly of him as I did.He was truly a remarkable person and will be fondly remembered. My best to you Natasha and the girls.

Edwina Reeve

~ Barbie Hargrave

Coach Rob, I don't even have the words to express everything right now. You made such a positive impact in my life and I will be forever grateful/blessed for that. You taught me many lessons wether it was in softball, or simply life lessons. If there was one person in the world who deserves the golden star, it's you. I'll never forget the first day I met you about 8/9 years ago. You were one of my biggest supporters and we're there whenever and for whatever. I'll never forget our car rides to and from games, they were so special and precious and made me laugh even on such a tough loss we had. You were the most kind hearted person, caring, funniest, generous person that I've ever met. You were always such a happy person even on the bad days. I can't thank you enough for making the past 9 years of my softball career absolutely amazing and I'll never stop playing/trying my hardest and especially I'll never give up no matter the situation. We had such a special player/coach relationship that I wouldn't give up for anything. That was the most special thing to me. I'll never forget that the FIRST time I ever got hurt in softball was right before the beach and you were the last person I talked to before bed, and the first person that I talked to in the morning. Coach rob, I will be forever grateful for every given moment I had with you. And I would never trade/ give it up for anything in the world. You were such an important person to me and will forever be. I don't know what softball would be like for me if I hadn't met you, it's a blessing everyday that I did and I had you in my life. You were my family. My 2nd dad, bottom line. Every single minute that goes by, I miss you even more but also that's a minute closer to seeing you again. You were my idol, role model and always will be. For every moment in my life, there will be a piece of you with me. Always. I will miss you until the day I see you again. The world has lost an amazing person, but heaven has gained an angel. Rest easy forever & always and I love you endlessly💙❤You beat it, it didn't beat you. Thanks for everything, keep on dabbing. All For You -you're 3rd baseman, jenna Isaacson #23

~ jenna isaacson

Natasha, Carsyn and Addison I recently sent an email to coach expressing my thoughts and I decided to share because those feelings have not changed:

Often times in life you cross paths with people and you dont necessarily know why at the time. Eventually those people show you who they really are or God reveals to you the reason behind it.

When I look at you I see such strength and humility and I often thank God for placing you in our lives. You are such a remarkable man, amazing coach and an inspiration to not only my daughter but to us all!

You have such a calming spirit and despite however you are feeling, you never let them see it. Your commitment to the girls is such an inspiration and I know it can't be easy.

I know I dont say much.. But today I want to say Thank You! I just wanted to let you know how much my family appreciates you!

Lisa, Sade' and Shaad!

~ Alease Davis

I'm just insanely proud to be able to say that Rob is my dad. I love him more than anything. He always gave me the best advice in a sticky situation, never missed a softball game, and of course got me chick fil a all the time! I'm going to miss him but I know that I will be able to get through with all of you amazing people that support him and my family. We love you all! ❤

~ Carsyn Belanger

Natasha, Carsyn & Addison --

I had the fortune of knowing Rob at a young age, as friends and classmates at Timonium Elementary and Ridgely Middle (including memorable times spent at Memorial Stadium) and later as baseball teammates at Dulaney High. I knew him to be gifted not only on the field as an infielder but behind the mic as well, as the lead man of Burst of Silence.

After losing touch for a number of years, we reconnected a few years before he co-founded the Cool Kids Campaign. It wasn't until then that I realized the size of his heart. His passion was one of the driving forces that made Cool Kids what it is today, and his work will live on for years to come. Rob saw the importance of serving others....the kids and their families at Cool Kids, as well as those he touched through his music at Nativity. I just finished watching a video of him singing "Letting Go" and will undoubtedly watch it many more times....so poignant and the words are so true. Thank you for sharing Rob with all those he touched during his time on earth and may God bless you with strength in the years to come.

~ Joe Hammann

Rob is more than just a Coach ... he is a loving and kind man who not only brings out the best in his Players, but also nurtures a love and zeal for the Game in each Girl on his Team. His Team of Girls goes through "The Grind" ... all those Practices and Conditionings and Warm-Ups ... and does not lose their love of the Game, but rather are stoked to Play Ball. They want to play for Coach Rob. They want to get better for Coach Rob. They want to Win for Coach Rob. The same love of the Game they found when they first picked up a Bat all those years ago is still burning strong in their Hearts and is evidenced by the Gleam in their Eyes when they are at the Plate or on the Field.

Rob did that. Rob worked them hard, made it fun, even during losing Seasons ... and made them love this Game so much that they wanted to come back again next year.

As a Baseball Coach, I love listening to him talk to his Girls ... it seems I can always pick something up / learn from him. Rob motivates others to be better ... be a better Player, be a better Coach, be a better Person ... just by being who he is.

Whenever we speak on the phone, we talk for at least an hour ... he wants to make sure he understands not only each of his Players, but also their Families. Despite all the things he is involved with ... his Family, his Career, the Cool Kids Campaign, Church ... he always gives his time generously so that everyone (Players and Parents and Families) on his Team feels acknowledged, welcomed and needed ... everyone feels important.

We, the Baldwins, didn't have many opportunities to get to know him off the Field. However, Rob did nothing lightly. We will remember him as a Man who took on the World on HIS terms. He went out on HIS terms. He didn't "make" people do things, he fostered a love that was already there. He wanted nothing more than to improve the lives of the people he touched. And I don't think he would want this to be the end of all their Stories. Quite the opposite ... I think he would want each of us to hear his Message, take it to Heart, and forge it into the mettle of our Character; thereby brining honor to his Memory. He gave everything he had doing the things he loved up until the very end. We should endeavor to do the same.

~ Justin Baldwin

Over the 9 years that Burst of Silence was together, we grew as musicians and friends. We spent many miles and countless hours in close quarters (4 guys in a van for a week or two can lead to a unique scent). We used to joke that each band on the road had their own scent and no two were alike. We had a lot of laughs, a few fights (after all… siblings, even musical ones, tend to get on one another’s nerves at one time or another), a few tears, met many people, made many friends, played with many bands, had numerous adventures, and a lifetime of memories – I cherish all of them (well maybe not the Burst of Silence scent). As I sat down to write this, finding one or two things to write about seemed like a daunting task. Opening for Hootie and the Blowfish? Spending a week in the studio with John Alagia?, Fly fishing with Scott and Jen?, Rehearsing and recording in the basement?, Rob’s tidiness and tendency to refold a Taco Bell paper napkin after eating? Playing shows in Boston, Cleveland, Tampa, New Jersey, etc.? Playing with bands like Naked Blue and the Soul Engines? The countless pranks we pulled on one another? Writing songs? Rob’s black Strat? I could never narrow it down to under a hundred stories – so I thought I would just start at the beginning.

I was working at Gordon Miller Music where Rob, Max Mueller, and Ted Thompson were frequent customers. One early summer day Max and Rob came into the store to ask if I would consider joining their band - Legacy. They had a couple of gigs lined up and their bass player was leaving. I said that I would at least fill in for them for a bit and asked when they would like me to audition. Max said there was no need for an audition but I mentioned that they’d never even heard me play. Max relented and set up a time for me to come over to Rob’s and jam with them.

I remember that summer day very well. I pulled up at Rob’s house to find them set-up in the garage with a PA system in the driveway. They introduced me to everyone and we played a few cover songs and chatted a bit. It was all very casual and fun. Max and Rob mentioned that they had written a couple songs and their desire to write more. I walked towards the soundboard in the driveway as they began to play them. The first song they performed was I Don’t Mind. I thought to myself… hmmm that’s catchy. The next song was Give. Rob started singing the first verse and I was mesmerized - of the song but also Rob's voice. I think I may have even turned to Ted at the soundboard and said – you guys wrote this? Afterwards we hung out and chatted some more. Max asked if I’d like to join the band and I said that I would at least fill in with them for a while. This vagueness on my part was due to the age differences between the guys and me. I didn’t know if they were serious or not, would they break up and the end of summer, etc. so tried to be non-committal but internally I just knew there was “something” there. Rob’s voice, Max’s guitar playing, and Jeff’s drumming were a great mix and I left very excited to be a part of it. I guess I became the longest temporary bass player in history (LOL) and from that very beginning, my friendship with Rob (and admiration of him) was cemented.

He was a very close friend and like a brother to me. His sense of humor and laugh will stay with me forever along with his voice. Singing backup to him, along with recording his vocal on numerous recordings, I am still in awe of that tenor voice. His talent as a song writer has continued to be an inspiration to me. Even after we parted ways and our lives pulled us in different circles, anytime we chatted (which was much too infrequent then I think either of us wanted or intended it to be) I was back there – in that driveway and it feels like summer.

~ Mike Watson

I loved and respected Rob as a father, a friend, and a coach to my oldest daughter. He is and was one of those remarkably special people, who probably never realized that himself. A humble servant leader and tremendously genuine human being that touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people over the short 47 years we were blessed to have him on this Earth.

His wife, Natasha Pomles Belanger, is one of the strongest, most resilient, funny, smart, caring and beautiful women in the world. Together, she and Rob and their brilliant, talented and charming daughters, Carsyn and Addy, were always sunshine into each of our lives.

He was my daughter's softball coach. Grace is 16 and as a pitcher and a person, she is one cool, tough, discerning customer. Ever the thoughtful fellow, Rob once asked me how to best coach her. When I asked why, he said "Well, I walked out to the mound and she stared at me like 'what are doing on my mound?!' and it threw me bit!" I said that Grace has been that way since she was a toddler and suggested he just be direct with her whatever the situation called for and she'd respect his decision because she respects YOU. And that's just how they worked together the whole time time they played together. He always had her back, she knew that and she would have run through a wall for him if he asked. She will forever be changed in ways by his guidance, love, trust and respect for her that I can never repay him. Thankfully, I shared this with him and let him know that I would also be running through the same wall a step ahead of Grace because I was better built for that job and they might need her pitching arm. She loved Rob and will take him with her on every trip to the mound or batter's box this year. Grace will also treasure Rob for the rest of her days too.

I will miss my friend, but will cherish every moment I had with him and strive to learn from the example he set to be the best person you can and be a man for others first. We all were lucky to have someone like Rob in our lives.

Godspeed Rob. Love you my brother.

~ Luke Driscoll

Thank you for everything you’ve taught me & for having a great impact on my life. Rest easy coach Rob. I’ll love you forever and always.

- Sade Alease

~

Coach Rob, thank you for being the absolute best coach. You will forever be my role model. I know you will be watching over me and the team.

- Taylor Brumagin

~

Rest easy coach Rob. You are an amazing person and have touch many lives, especially mine. You taught me to love the game again when I was about to quit. Without you I wouldn’t be the player I am today.

- Danielle Baldwin

~

I really only knew you for a few months but in that time you taught me more than any coach had previously. You will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.

- Emily Arnold

~

You are such an inspiration to everyone around you, bringing nothing but joy and kindness. There isn’t a day I don’t listen to your music. You are the reason I started listening to Christian music which has helped me grow my faith. I hope that one day I can have the same impact on someone like you have for me. Heaven gained a wonderful angel.

- Emily Issing

~

You have been a huge part of my growth as a worship leader. Heaven gained a true disciple, for you have been growing people’s faith for years through your beautiful voice and incredible guitar playing.

- Will Kelly

~

I have been truly blessed to have been taught by you, to receive so much love and support when it seemed the whole world was against me. It breaks my heart that I never had the chance to join you on stage, but I know you’ll be looking down on me every time I sing in God’s name, cheering me on like you always did.

- Grace Kelly

~

Who could forget the rip-dip-chip via the double boiler!!

~ Scott Fraser

As I sat and watched the news last night, they led with a story about the Cool Kids Campaign and how the CKC lost one of their own. At that moment I had that awful feeling that I was going to be hearing terrible news and I was right....
I saw the face of a friend and began remembering the life he led, followed by a few tears. I met Rob at Towson State on the baseball field in the late 80's, and what I had the pleasure of seeing was the slickest fielding shortstop I had ever laid eyes on, he was smooth....just like his dad. A friendship grew, pitchers always like the good fielders as it makes us look better, and I found out that besides being a darn good baseball player, Rob was a hell of a musician. Burst of Silence gigs quickly became the part of every weekend at Max's and Padonia Station, to name a few places. Rob was "cool to the core," but I don't think he ever knew that. He was just Rob, a genuinely nice guy who cared about everybody.
He liked to make people happy, whether that was a pitcher who he had just saved again with an incredible play, or the audience at one of his shows. We are all better for knowing Rob and he will be missed, rest well my friend.

~ Brad Stinar

Dear Natasha, Carsyn and Addy

I am very sad for your loss. Rob gave himself to everyone he met. Find peace in his love and your wonderful memories. You have much to be proud of. I didn't know Rob well, just as an uncle to Nick and Nate. His positive presence was so important to their growing into kind and caring young men. I know all of you will live up to his legacy.
Jean

~ jean mason

Ok, here is a quick little story about Rob to make you smile. It was the early 80’s. I was at the old Shakey’s Pizza on York road in Cockeysville, probably after a rec league soccer or basketball game or something with a bunch of guys. The night was ending, we were by the door waiting for our parents to pick us up. That was when someone introduced me to Rob. Might have been Jeff Knabe. We were just talking and waiting, Rob was just the center of everyone’s attention. He was funny, a snappy dresser, and he even showed us some dance moves. I remember because it was the middle of winter & he was wearing penny loafers, no socks and doing the moonwalk, and maybe a few other moves. The height of cool at the time of course.

Anyway, fast forward a bit and we all played basketball & baseball together at Dulaney. I had a failed attempt trying out for the soccer team with him as well before I moved on to football. It was a great time playing basketball & baseball. Practices, bus trips to play other schools & just generally having fun. I remember him always being a gentleman, a gifted athlete, he had a great attitude, humble, supportive, and honest. I definitely counted him as a good friend. He was just a great guy to be around.

I think it’s safe to say he made the world a better place by being here, he will be missed.

~ Scott Henderson

We did not know Rob personally. But, our family listens to this year's Nativity Christmas CD every day and I know that Rob was the main force behind this amazing sound track. We wish to express our deepest sympathies to your family. Thank you, Rob, for all that you did for the Baltimore community and the Nativity Parish.

~ Kim Willis

The Belanger Family,

I had the great opportunity to work with Rob over the past nine years. I remember the first time we met, having lunch in Fells Point to "interview" each other.. sitting outside on a beautiful day and talking about work related subjects. I recall the easy going nature of Rob that afternoon and remember thinking that we would get along quite well.. In life, I think we are always trying to understand what we can do better by learning from our experiences. If I could go back in time and have the lunch over again, I think I would want to talk with Rob about anything other than work. While our nine years together provided an incredible amount of time interacting, strategizing, solving issues and conversing, much less was spent on "life" discussions for the first few years. I am always suggesting to my children to try to live life so that you won't have any regrets.. in this case I regret not discovering the "non work side" of Rob in the early years. It wasn't until several years ago that we began to discover what makes each of us tick. I recall in April 2014 and my mother had just died from Alzheimer's, I asked Rob if he would consider playing a couple of songs at my mothers' service. Without hesitation he agreed to do so even though I hadn't given him much time to prepare and as it was a weekend, he needed to work around softball coaching..actually, he didn't just agree to do so, he loved the idea and wanted to do something in her honor. Our family was incredibly touched that he was so eagerly willing..And oh how beautiful his playing and singing was.. More recently, as Melissa and I were planning our wedding in November for this New Year's Day, we both thought how wonderful it would be to have Rob play and sing a couple of songs at our ceremony.. we struggled a bit with whether we should ask him or not because he was not at full strength. We decided to go ahead and the response from Rob was an enthusiastic and incredibly warm "of course and I would be honored".. we were tickled pink and we felt like the honored ones. We agreed to the songs and we talked back and forth about some of the details. We lost Rob two days before our wedding but he will forever be a part of our ceremony and a part of our hearts..

I feel so honored to have been able to spend so much time the past nine years with Rob. Being able to work with him afforded me an incredible amount of time to be around him. I am in awe of the legacy he leaves and the number of people he has impacted. It is now my time to learn from who he was and what he accomplished, and take that with me as I go on in my life. Thank you Rob for our time together and our memories. I miss you and will think of you often. I know Addy and Carsyn will follow in your footsteps as you and Natasha have set such a wonderful example of how to live life and do it with impact and meaning..

Melissa and I are here for you all.

Jon Price

~ Jonathan Price

Hello,
My name is Chris Federico, I am the President and a Co-Founder of the Cool Kids Campaign. I have had the privilege of knowing Rob and consider him one of my best friends for over 20 years. Many of you know him from a variety of places. Mine has been from our days working together in the mid-90’s at Alex Brown in the margin department through the creation of the Belanger-Federico Foundation in 2004 to Cool Kids Campaign in 2006.
To say we have been through a lot together might be an understatement.
Just to share a few stories, one of them from our days at Alex Brown when his father was dying of cancer in New York, he would go visit him and one day he called me on Monday morning at work and said I am not going to be in today still in New York with my dad, I told him don’t worry we have you covered. After this happened a few times, he asked I don’t want to lose my job missing these days, I told him don’t worry they will never let you go because you are with your father, they took care of me when my mom was dying and they will do the same for you and that has carried on for him to Brown Advisory, so for all those reading this at Brown Advisory thank you for treating him and his family so well.
Back to Alex Brown, Rob told me one day at work that he was dating a girl named Natasha, but didn’t tell me her last name and well I didn’t ask. Now I knew a Natasha from when I went to Cathedral, but didn’t think it was Natasha Pomles. I believe a few weeks go by and I am at Padonia Fitness Center and run into a mutual friend of Natasha and mine and in course of the conversation she says hey did you hear Natasha is dating Rob Belanger. I was a little surprised so next day I go in office and go into Rob’s cubicle and said you knucklehead, you are dating Natasha Pomles, I have known her since 6th grade, don’t let her go.
Now to move forward to when Rob and I started the Belanger-Federico Foundation. I called him and said let’s get this foundation off the ground and I explained I was going to need a place to work from. I couldn’t do it from my house, too many distractions, he said you can come work from my basement. So Monday morning November 17th, 2003, I get to Rob’s house and I had an idea of what his basement looked like and thought this won’t be so bad and we walked down there and I say where is the computer, he said in the laundry room. Ok, so much for the basement, we walk into the laundry room and sure enough there is a computer and desk in the corner waiting for me along with the washer and dryer, but I didn’t care as long as we had someplace to get started with. After a few months, I figured I better either start offering to do their laundry or we needed to find another place and we found another place to work from!
We knew the Foundation needed an event to get off the ground, so we create the Mark Belanger Celebrity Golf Classic. Rob knew he had to call his dad’s old teammates to get them to play because our goal was to provide every group a celebrity. To our amazement, every former player he asked said yes and to this day, we continue to have our golf tourney which for the last 8 years has been called the Ken Singleton Celebrity Golf Classic. For those former players who come out every year, you know how much it has meant to Rob and myself, thank you.

When we started the Cool Kids Campaign in 2006 with Sharon Perfetti and Kimmie Meissner, we knew this was going to be a challenge and Rob and I didn’t always agree, nor should we have, but there was no issue we couldn’t work through and he taught me a few things, like patience. Whenever we had to send out a letter, Rob would proof read and edit it and I swear he missed his calling, he could have been an English professor at Cambridge for as good as he was in grammar. One day in 2006, we had a proposal to get out and Rob went through about 4 or 5 edits before he knew it was what we needed to send and even though we missed the deadline, we still got the donation and I am sure it was due to his letter.
We had our share of fun times as well. We know how talented he is athletically, in 2010 playing in our Ken Singleton Celebrity Golf Classic, Rob and I were playing together in a group and he really wanted to win the tourney that year. We are on the 17th hole and he knew we have to birdie the last two holes to come close to winning. Our drives were bad so the next approach shot to the green was far away. Some of you know, just how good of a golfer Rob is and he was playing pretty well that day. He says, give me your 2 iron, which I gladly did, and before he hits this amazing shot which landed about 5 feet from the pin from about 200 yards out, you could see the focus and determination in his eyes and I knew he was going to hit it well. We end of birding the last hole and think we have a shot to win it, but our hopes were dashed when we get into club house and see scores posted and everyone is talking about Rick Dempsey’s team hitting an eagle on last hole to go 20 under.
Many of you if not all of you know Rob is a gifted and talented singer. Back in 2013, Rob and I went to the Hootie and Blowfish Monday after the Masters golf tourney in myrtle beach. We had a blast and to my surprise didn’t talk much about the foundation at all. On our way home, we are stuck in traffic and tired and we needed a pick me up, so he says what is one of your favorite songs, I said Superstition from Stevie Wonder. Since I was driving, he wipes out the iPad, goes on YouTube and says I am going to sing it, I said if you are, you need to wear my shades. He picks the version with just melody and before I knew it I swear I was in the car with Stevie Wonder, it was perfect, when he was done, I said do it again, boy I felt like a little kid in the candy store.
There are times in life when you come across someone and regardless of circumstance, say to yourself, that I am a better person because that individual was in my life. This is true for Rob, his legacy will live on through his loving family and supportive group of friends. He will always be part of the Cool Kids Campaign.

~ chris federico

I have been sitting on ideas about what to write here and I simply do not have any words (imagine that?!). I can not begin to express what an influence Rob had on myself, my family and our Christian faith. We are so blessed to have known Rob and wish we had more time with him. My favorite memory of Rob is last Christmas when we gave him his father's jersey. Rob's reaction will always be forever inked on our hearts and memories. He legacy through his music and the girls will live on and for that I feel we are so blessed. We love you all and am so thankful for our friendship.
xoxo,
The Klima Family

~ Staci Vendelis-Klima