Memories of Robert King Jr.
He's looking down on us, smiling
My wife, Maryellen Hand (Spohrer) is a first cousin to the King family as her mother, Eleanor, is Bobby King Sr.'s brother. My wife was very close to Bobby and misses him terribly.
As his mom, Audrey, said, he was the glue that held the family together. I have been married to Maryellen for almost 30 years and cannot recall a time whenever I saw Bobby that he was not smiling.
The only thing he wanted to do in life was be a firefighter. Every 9/11 anniversary, we have a Mass said for his intention at our home parish of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays. I know he is looking down on us all and, of course, he is smiling.
Martin D. Hand, Hampton Bays
Dear Mrs. King,
A smile came to my face when I was reading the paper after work -- I saw Bobby's picture. I always had a great time riding the 3 and 4 wheelers with him.
I just finished my house this year after 10 years. His picture and the fireman's prayer were one of the first pictures to be on our new walls. I always think of him. If you ever need to talk, feel free to call me. I lost a good bud that day. I still don't know how to work the computer, so I have my wife writing this. She checks my e-mail from time to time if you want to send a message.
Michael Holzknecht, Franklin Square
I’m hoping this reaches the family of Robert C. King, Jr. At our church service at St. Francis of Assisi last Sunday, we had the most beautiful tribute to the memory of those lost 10 years ago. Before Mass was over, we were invited to come up to the alter and take a scroll with a white ribbon around it. Each scroll had a photo, a name and a short bio on one side and a forgiveness prayer on the other. There were nearly 3,000 of them, one for each victim. I drew Robert’s scroll and have been wearing the white ribbon, on which I wrote his name, and praying for him and his loved ones several times a day. We were asked to do this for one week. However, I will continue to pray for him and his family and loved ones long after this week is over.
I’m wishing his family many blessings, healing and peace,
Linda Larish, Incline Village, Nev.
