The man affectionately known online as “Paint Grandpa” has passed away, his family has confirmed.
Bobby became an internet legend in 2019 after his granddaughter shared a photo showing him with paint around his mouth and an open tub beside him. He had mistakenly eaten paint, believing it was yoghurt. The light-hearted moment quickly spread online and turned him into a beloved meme.
At the time, Bobby was 90 years old and appeared completely unharmed by the incident. His calm reaction and good humor only added to the public’s affection for him. What began as a joke soon introduced millions to a gentle, funny grandfather who enjoyed making people smile.
Sooo my grandpa ate half a quart of paint today thinking it was yogurt pic.twitter.com/wzDfDpQgWB
— Alex Stein (@alexsteinnn) February 22, 2019
His granddaughter later shared that Bobby died peacefully in his sleep earlier this year, just months before what would have been his 92nd birthday. She described him as a man who lived a full and happy life, working as a doctor and musician, and deeply valuing his role as a father and grandfather.
Tributes poured in from around the world, with many people saying his videos brought them comfort and laughter during difficult times. Fans recalled how his simple joy and willingness to laugh at himself made him unforgettable.
In recent months, the meme saw renewed attention, with younger social media users dressing up as him for Halloween. His family said Bobby would have loved knowing he was still making people laugh.
Though he is gone, the warmth and humor he shared continue to live on online.