Mary Robustello, of Rockville Centre

Mary Mancuso Robustello, a long-time Rockville Centre resident, died on Dec. 31. Born in Pelham, N.Y. on Jan. 29, 1924, she was married to local businessman Michael F. Robustello. The couple celebrated their 64th anniversary together, before his death on Aug. 27, 2010.

Mary played field hockey and volleyball in high school. A conscientious student, she studied to be a dental assistant and secretary. The couple met because their families, who came from the same town in Italy, gathered to share meals together. Mike joined the military and the couple fell in love over their letters during his three-year stint. Devoted to her family, Mary lived for her children and husband, who she loved dearly, making the perfect lunch or going to a sports game. Her family described her as “Mike’s number one cheerleader in life,” who cherished spending time with him.

Mary was also just as dedicated to her large circle of friends, with whom she enjoyed spending time and going out.

A dedicated cook, she loved to prepare meals and bake. Her granddaughter, Janine Robustello, said you didn’t leave her house without a bowl of Jello or ice cream and homemade cookies, even if you weren’t hungry. Mary found joy in feeding others and sharing a conversation over a meal or even just a game of Uno at the beach or her kitchen table. She wanted everyone to be well fed, happy and healthy, said Janine, and she prayed for that every day.

Mary also liked to organize events, charity luncheons, whether it was personal or for an organization in which she was involved. She was a member of the Junior Mercy League and later a member of the Rockville Centre Mercy League and served as its secretary for more than 10 years. An active member of the St. Agnes Parish, Mary was also a member of the AHRC and the Lynbrook Doe Club.

Lisa Shulman, one of Mary’s granddaughters, said, “Grandma’s life was dedicated to her home, husband, church, family and friends. She loved to feed people and make them happy. Grandma was the model of being a great wife. She had a great zest for life, travel, cooking and being around people.” According to Janine, even during her final days of dementia, Mary was a “people person,” and would light up when she had company.

Mary Robustello is survived by her children, Barbara Pelrine and Frank and daughter-in-law, Maddie. She was predeceased by a daughter, Phyllis Savarese. She was the grandmother of nine: John Savarese, Lisa Shulman, Jeanne Caesar, Debra DiBella, Michael Pelrine, Michael Savarese, Michael Robustello, Janine Robustello and Frankie Robustello. She had four great grandchildren, Isabella Shulman, Ariana DiBella, Anthony DiBella, and Kayla Caesar. She was also the beloved sister of Bernadine Mancuso, the late Patrick Mancuso and the late Nina DeMasi.

Robustello lay in repose at Macken Mortuary. A funeral Mass was held on Jan. 5 at St. Agnes Cathedral. Interment followed at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury. In lieu of flowers, the family said it would appreciate donations to Good Shepherd Hospice, 245 Old Country Road, Melville, NY 11747.