Robert "Rob" Allen Payne
A 2003 graduate from Strath Haven High School, Rob was a thinker, a dreamer, an athlete, an educator, but most importantly Rob was our friend, he was ‘everyone’s friend’. Rob was a great son, grandson, uncle, brother and soon-to-be father. Rob was tragically murdered on July 4th, 2016. Rob is the reason we created this platform, but even he would tell us that this is bigger than him.
“To acknowledge oneself is the most important asset to a person’s arsenal...who you are and where you’re from is imperative to self development. If I desire to learn who I really am, all I have to do is read.””
Rob was born and raised in Chester, Pa. where people acknowledged he was special from the beginning
He later enrolled at Strath Haven while living with his aunt and uncle in Swarthmore. He became a standout student-athlete in football, basketball, and track. His name still hangs on the prestigious 1,000 point club banner in the High School gymnasium.
Later in life, Rob became a teacher in the Chester Upland School District where he enjoyed educating the minds of children and inspired his students with his love for books and knowledge.
Rob was a “progressive thinker” and carried energy that was infectious. Every room he entered he left it a little brighter than before.