The body that our friend, Rob, was born into gave out at 11:00 AM on December 3, 2022. It had always been problematic. However, the congenital heart defect that slowed him down in the physical world gave him a unique vision and new opportunities within emerging digital worlds.

These are the places where Rob truly lived.

In 2006, he met his “real-life partner,” Tess Hannah, in Second Life in a vampire role-playing sim (#asonedoes). As early adopters, the pair saw the potential in these digital spaces and purchased and set up their own sim called Pulse.

Everything they did solidified their connections to the metaverse and associated communities.

Over the years, Rob became one of the most prominent thought leaders in VR, AR, Web3, XR, and, outside of that, an outspoken advocate for women and the LGBTQIA community. His innovative and curious mind helped bring the technologies he loved and ideas to execute them to places ranging from Ericsson, NASA, Meta, NBC, Lenovo, and countless startups. He took pride in his friendships to the best minds in tech. Cathy Hackl, Charlie Fink, and many more discussed the future with him and he loved those conversations more than they'll ever know.

We will remember him as someone who moved the needle (or headset or mouse) for the technology he loved.

Here’s the part where we need help.

A few years ago, Tess was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and Rob put much of his work on the back burner and became her caretaker. This year, Rob’s health took a turn, and Tess became the caretaker. During this period, neither of them had as much capacity to work and their finances suffered.

Now, as Rob and Tess’s friends scramble to make sense of things, organize funeral arrangements, and pay bills, we would like to ask for a donation to help Tess. Funeral bills along with health-related bills have accumulated. At this time, December rent is paid, but the bills are piling up, and January rent is due. So we need to get her set up to be comfortable for some months as we figure out the next steps for her living situation and care.

If you know Tess and would like to help her during this devastating time...

If Rob touched you through his posts, his newsletter, or any of the things our dear friend inspired, we ask that you please donate.

Thank you,

Friends of Rob Crasco and Tess Hannah