Fans of the St. Louis music scene were saddened last week to learn that dancer Robert "Beatle Bob" Matonis had passed away.

According to the River Front Times, Matonis' passing came roughly a year and a half after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Sister says Matonis will be "greatly missed"

The newspaper also noted that Matonis' sister announced her brother's death in a Facebook post put up on Friday afternoon.

"I just wanted everyone to know that my brother Beatle Bob passed away yesterday morning," Christine Mickle was quoted as saying.

"It was a long battle with ALS and he declined very fast. We are trying to figure out arrangements. At this time my mom is not up to calls or visits," she continued. Mickle went on to add that her brother would "be greatly missed" and that this death had "taken a toll" on their mother.

The Times reported on Matonis' ALS diagnosis and subsequent retirement this past January, something he discussed in an Instagram post.

Career cut short by ALS

"It was the worst year of my life ever as in February of last year, I was diagnosed with ALS... My neck muscles are so weak I can't lift my head straight when standing or walking," Matonis explained.

"This past year my voice was so slurred it was hard to understand. Thank goodness for social media that allowed me to communicate," the former dancer stressed.

"Also I had great difficulty swallowing and I had to give up eating a lot of my favorite foods. As a result I Iost about 25 pounds that I didn't need to lose," he went on to lament.

Matonis, who was known for his frantic dance moves and Beatles-style mop-top haircut, received online praise after his death was revealed.

Dancer remembered as a "character" who "always got a reaction"

The musical group Dash Rip Rock called Matonis "a southern character" who "always got a reaction wherever he went."

Our hearts go out to our friend Beatle Bob. According to John Lennon "He got out of one car and got into another." Bob made delta rock n roll weird and quirky. He was a southern character. He always got a reaction wherever he went. Our buddy, dance on. #beatlebob #stlouis pic.twitter.com/lVSVPm3D5Z

— Dash Rip Rock (@dashkicksass) July 28, 2023

Meanwhile, one St. Louis resident declared in a tweet that Matonis had been "a beloved friend" as well as "an icon of our time."

We have lost a beloved friend in #StLouis and an icon of our time. #RIP #BeatleBob, RIP pic.twitter.com/jI5FnDqu68

— Helen L. Colter (@HelenLColter) July 29, 2023