'Kind Hearted' Millburn High School Senior Passes Away

MILLBURN, NJ — Friends and family of Millburn High School senior Robbie Almgren, described as a "kind-hearted classmate" adored by friends and teammates, will pay tribute in a service on New Year's Eve and then another on Jan. 9, Schools Superintendent Christine Burton said Thursday.

"It is with great sadness that I share the loss of one of our High School seniors, Robbie Almgren," Burton wrote in an email Thursday. "This evening at 7 p.m. there will be a service at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, A Time to Remember Robbie and a Time to Pray."

Almgren's obituary says, in part, "He was a true friend who enjoyed the good times, but was always available with a helping hand or an ear when needed. Robbie had a special way about him that just drew people near ... When not with friends, this teen made time for his family. He enjoyed dancing and laughing in the kitchen with his mom, talking fantasy football and golf with his dad, texting his grandmother during televised football games, and sharing funny videos with and ribbing his sister."

"In addition to being a kind-hearted classmate, he played football and lacrosse and adored his wide circle of friends," Burton said. "Golfing and fishing with friends were just a few of his favorite pastimes. He was quick to laugh and always encouraging to others. He is survived by his parents and his sister, Reilly, who graduated last year. Our sympathies and prayers are with the Almgren family."

Almgren's memorial site tells of services planned over the next few days.

A video on the funeral home site displays photos of his life.

Burton said that at the New Year's Eve service, which will be streamed virtually, the Almgren Family is expected to attemd. Burton said that friends, classmates and teammates are invited to send their condolences and to share memories. The church capacity is capped at 150 attendees.

However, another, outdoor memorial is being planned for Jan. 9. Burton said details will be shared next week.

Burton said Almgren passed away over the weekend of a brain hemorrhage due to undetected leukemia.

According to the obituary, Almgren was not just an athlete and enthusiastic presence in his "tight knit" Short Hills neighborhood; he was a musician.

Many interests and friends

"He loved many genres of music," according to the obit. "Having played in three bands in middle school, including the jazz band, Robbie developed his musical skills. In fact, he was a closet band member throughout high school. He loved playing the trumpet! And, yes, it’s probably worth mentioning that Robbie was a good student. Robbie was a high school senior and was looking forward to attending Union College to study and play lacrosse for the Dutchmen."

The obit noted: "He and his friends were inseparable and many were like brothers. He was a true friend who enjoyed the good times, but was always available with a helping hand or an ear when needed. Robbie had a special way about him that just drew people near. He was happiest with friends on any golf course, local fishing spot, hiking through South Mountain, or just hanging out in a friend’s backyard. His gift of gab and his positive attitude will be sorely missed. When not with friends, this teen made time for his family. He enjoyed dancing and laughing in the kitchen with his mom, talking fantasy football and golf with his dad, texting his grandmother during televised football games, and sharing funny videos with and ribbing his sister."

The obit said he began to feel the "sudden effects of AML leukemia" on Christmas night.

More information about the memorial and funeral services can be found here: https://bradleyfuneralhomes.com/robert-eric-almgren-iii/

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