WPCNR MILESTONES. Special to WPCNR.  June 28, 2006 UPDATED June 29, 2006: WPCNR has received word from Don Hughes that Robert Greer, suffering these last two years with Lou Gehrig's disease died this morning at his home. The family will be sitting Shiva Friday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 2-5 at their home at 20 Cushman Road in White Plains. The service will be July 7th at 11am at Kol Ami, 255 Soundview Avenue in White Plains. Burial will be private.

Mayor Joseph Delfino of the City of White Plains, upon learning of Mr. Greer's death issued the following statement: "The passing of Robert Greer is a tremendous loss to the City of White Plains and for me personally. Bob was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and possessed all of the attributes that allows a person to excel in public service.  Bob's leadership and his years of service as a Councilman will always be looked upon as a time of progress for the City of White Plains. Bob had a vision for what the City could and should be, and on that level we certainly related.  Working alongside Mr. Greer during his time on the Council was special for me. He will be missed both personally and professionally."

Robert Greer,  Election night, 2003. Robert Greer is shown with his longtime colleague, Benjamin Boykin, center,  Representative Nita Lowey and, far left,  County Legislator, Bill Ryan. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

Robert Greer was a member of the White Plains Common Council for 16 years. 

He had Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) for over two years.

Councilman Greer was a White Plains District Leader since 1983. 

He was chairman of the party, and he ran for Mayor in 2001. 

Some of the things that he saw as his accomplishments while on
the Common Council included:

* Voting for the improvements leading to the Westchester Mall;
* Supporting SHORE´s imaginative plan for combining housing for working families and formerly
homeless families;

* Working to save The Greenway;

* Fighting for movies at Main and Mamaroneck.

* Fighting for a Stop & Shop supermarket.

* Sponsoring legislation establishing minimum fines for landlords violating occupancy codes.

* Working to end the badge drain.

* Trying to  encourage White Plains to take advantage of 21st century technology.

He was especially proud of working for the construction of the new children's room at the White Plains Public Library and the opening of the White Plains Performing Arts Center.

Bob recently received an award from the City's Human Rights Commission for his work with agencies that include Family Services of Westchester, Head Start, and the White Plains Public Library.

During a Common Council meeting early last year Mr.Greer said, "one area of the body that is not attacked by ALS is the mind. I will always be me. My life has been enriched by the opportunity to serve as your councilman for the past 14 years. I intend to remain your councilman and serve the White Plains community as long as I am able."

Let us all offer our support with cards and calls to his family as they work through the final part of
this devastating disease.

-- Don Hughes