SCRANTON -- It's been about a year and a half since a man with down syndrome was starved and neglected by his family in Lackawanna County. Now, people who never knew Robert Gensiak are remembering him.
About 20 people attended the memorial for a man they've never met.
Robert Gensiak, whose name is now on this plaque outside The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania on Meadow Avenue in Scranton.
Gensiak died at his home in Taylor in 2013. He had Down Syndrome and was dependent on his family.
His mother Susan, and two sisters Joan and Rebekah, were all sent to prison earlier this year for starving and neglecting Robert. Lackawanna County prosecutors said it was the worst case of neglect they'd ever seen.
Those prosecutors, along with volunteers from The Arc gathered to remember Robert Gensiak.
"A lot of us have family members who have Down Syndrome or mental challenges. And it was important for us to do that," said Corolla Sawka of Mt. Cobb.
The Arc decided to put these words on the plaque, "Every voice shall be heard".
Because, they said while Robert Gensiak was alive, he never really had a voice. There aren't even any pictures of Robert Gensiak. He is though, affecting a lot of people after his death.
"I just hope that through his death, his death actually gives him voice and alerts us to just be aware more of what's going on," said Howard Woodruff, minister at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Scranton.
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania provides support to people with disabilities and their families. Director Don Broderick said Robert's memorial, in its spot right out front, will stand as a reminder.
"And just the message that if there's somebody out there that needs us or needs to get connected to the system, please give us a call," Broderick said.
Lackawanna County prosecutors said the Gensiak family never contacted The Arc or any other agency for help in caring for Robert. Now, The Arc plans to ask the family for Robert's ashes so he can have a proper burial.