It was 2016 when Shaler resident Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger approached Sharpsburg Council seeking to adopt the James Sharp Landing by clearing used fishing line and hosting biannual cleanups.
An ardent volunteer, Habegger was an environmental enthusiast who frequently enchanted youngsters at regional events with his 5-foot leucistic rat snake named Popeye.
Friends and acquaintances from across the region are recalling Habegger as a jovial, passionate, committed man after his death from suspected covid-19.
“Robert was a humorous, generous and dedicated presence at community meetings and events across Sharpsburg and the greater Pittsburgh area, including the many riverfront cleanup events he organized annually,” Council President Brittany Reno said.
“His love of nature, bicycling, his many friends from all walks of life, local artists, his small business selling spice blends and pretzels, and his little family of beloved snakes shined through everywhere he went.”
Habegger’s daughter Tabetha said the family followed his wishes to be cremated. There will be no public services.
A Sharpsburg native, Habegger never forgot his hometown despite moving from the borough. Leaders called him a critical member of the community, from advocating for better bike/pedestrian trails to riverfront planning to judging the Sharpsburg Community Library’s annual chili cook-off.
After adopting the James Sharp Landing, widely considered the borough’s gem, Habegger installed fishing line receptacles at the pier and organized regular shoreline cleanups through Allegheny CleanWays. He lobbied against balloon releases, littering and feeding bread to birds.
“Robert was all about Sharpsburg,” Councilman Greg Domian said. “No matter what event was happening, he was always there to help.”
Mayor Matt Rudzki posted a Facebook tribute to Habegger, noting that the pandemic has wrought great loss.
He called Habegger a devoted advocate for Sharpsburg, the region, the environment, snakes and the cycling community, of which he was a committed volunteer.
Habegger was also a founding member of the Sharpsburg Environmental Advisory Council and coordinated with PennDOT to acquire gloves, vests and bags for volunteers of communitywide trash cleanups. He volunteered time to Venture Outdoors, Walk Bike Shaler, Friends of North Park and Bike Pittsburgh.
We are devastated to hear of the passing of our long time volunteer and supporter Robert "Snakeguy" Habegger.
From cycling to hiking to kayaking, Snakeguy has been a tireless advocate of all things outdoors. He is truly a legend and his energy and commitment will be missed. pic.twitter.com/NnyQ9nkzVx
— BikePGH (@BikePGH) November 24, 2020
Habegger was a key organizer of the annual Etna-Sharpsburg Earth Day Challenge which grew to more than 300 residents and allies turning out to clean the two neighborhoods.
Rudzki said the Mayor’s Cup – given to the borough which collects the most trash each year at the event — will be renamed the Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger Cup “as a gesture of our immense appreciation.”
“He was constantly showing up for other people, in big and small ways,” Reno said. “I think all of us who knew him are better, goofier and a little more conscientious just by having known him.”
