Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby‘s late son, Robert Cosby Jr., is being remembered in an obituary as someone whose “gentle spirit touched everyone he met.”
Robert died in Utah on Feb. 23 at the age of 23. The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed his death to PEOPLE at the time, saying authorities responded to a possible overdose after receiving a call regarding a “full arrest/medical emergency” of a 23-year-old male.
In the obituary, Robert’s family, who shared that he was “affectionately” known as Bubs, described him as “a bright, loving and gifted young man whose compassion and gentle spirit touched everyone he met.”
They went on to detail his passion for learning, noting that he attended schools in Utah, Florida and New York and “was accepted early to Cornell University, where he completed his 10th-grade year,” before returning home to finish his high school degree at Juan Diego Catholic School in Utah.
He later worked as a mortgage loan officer assistant and founded the inaugural “Thrasher Fest” skateboard tournament.
“Robert’s love for style and fashion was unmatched,” the obituary states. “He was an elite-class gamer and played the piano like an angel. Though gifted in so many ways, he was a person of great humility — what he valued most couldn’t be bought.”
“Robert loved his parents with a fierce and unwavering devotion, and his mother was his closest confidante. His first and greatest love, however, was for God,” the obituary continues. “His faith guided him throughout his life, and he shared his journey — its triumphs and its trials — with courage and sincerity, touching countless lives.”
According to the obituary, shortly before his death, Robert had expressed to his cousin a wish to see and meet his great-grandmother, Dr. Rosemary Redmon Cosby, founder of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Churches.
“His light, love and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him and the many he inspired,” the obituary concludes, inviting people to plant trees in his memory.
Two days after their son’s death, on Feb. 25, Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., shared a statement, saying, “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace.”
“We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow,” they added.
On Feb. 28, Mary posted an emotional tribute to Robert on Instagram, featuring a throwback photo of the mother-son pair. She captioned the post, “#godfirst #love #forever I’m Going to miss you bubs❤️🙏😢.”
A number of Housewives stars from across the Bravo reality TV franchise shared their love and support in the comments, including RHOBH‘s Kyle Richards, who wrote, “Beautiful picture Mary. You’re an amazing Mom and gave him so much love. May his memory be a blessing 🙏❤️.”
RHONJ‘s Melissa Gorga commented, “Such a beautiful photo. Think about you constantly Mary, and I’m praying for you to have strength. You are a strong woman. May he rest in peace🙏🏼.”
