Rob Grogan, editor of Front Porch Fredericksburg magazine, had been battling the rare carcinoid cancer.
Last summer friends and relatives created Rob’s Army and a number of fund raising initiatives to help pay the extensive medical costs not covered by insurance.
“The response from the community at-large and from local mom and pop businesses has been remarkable,” Grogan said in September. “My wife Virginia and I feel absolutely blessed and overwhelmed by it all, forever grateful to everyone.”
“Grogan was loved for his coverage of the arts, history, antiques, wine, food – the kind of under-the-radar features that don’t make headlines, but do give readers a strong sense of community,” said Rob’s Army coordinator Kathryn Willis.
“Beyond that contribution, Grogan was the popular bartender at Bistro Bethem, where his own versions of cosmos, martinis and such brought conversation and connection to both the patrons and the wait staff of the popular Fredericksburg restaurant.”
“As a regular visitor to local businesses and arts venues, Grogan served as a kind of de facto communications connector between diverse audiences that might not otherwise know one another.
“A self-deprecating, unassuming manner and a giving, supporting nature served to encourage folks to dare beyond their fears and take that next career step; to reach out and help a cause; to pursue interests beyond the known,” Willis said.
