HUTCHINSON ISLAND — A treasured holiday tradition has gone dark this year as the community mourns the loss of Robert Eustace, the beloved homeowner whose dazzling Christmas light displays at the Eustace Mansion became a seasonal beacon for countless families.

For years, the Eustace Mansion lights were more than decorations — they were a gift. A place where children’s eyes lit up brighter than the thousands of bulbs strung across the estate, where families made memories, and where the spirit of Christmas felt almost tangible.

This week, residents learned that the beloved display will not return. Elsa Eustace confirmed that her husband passed away earlier this year, and the family is not emotionally ready to continue the tradition he created.

“It was always his idea from the very beginning,” Elsa shared. “He loved seeing the joy it brought to the community.”

The news has brought a wave of sadness across Hutchinson Island and beyond, as many recall fond visits to the estate — a place that, for so long, embodied magic and generosity.

One longtime visitor reflected, “Rest in peace, Mr. Robert Eustace. I will never forget bringing my family to your lovely estate. What a gift it was for so many years. May grieving be good to you.”

Though the lights may be dark this season, the warmth and wonder Robert Eustace gave to the community will continue to glow brightly in the memories he created.