Obituary

Michael F. Robustello dies at 89

Lifelong Rockville Centre resident was devoted to family, community and business

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Local businessman Michael F. Robustello, a lifelong Rockville Centre resident, died in his home on Aug. 27.

Born in the village on July 29, 1921, Robustello attended Oceanside schools, graduating from high school in 1940. After a year in the family construction business, Frank Robustello & Son Inc., he left for a three-year military stint in Guam with the Navy Sea Bees, from 1942 to 1945. In 1946 he married Mary Mancuso of Pelham, N.Y., the love of his life. Michael often said that he and Mary worked together as a team. The couple celebrated their 64th anniversary on Aug. 25.

Michael and Mary were extremely active in the community. He was a member of the Fire Department for 68 years, a past captain, and the warden of Reliance Hose Co. for 40 years. He was a member of the Lynbrook Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Rockville Centre Kiwanis for over 50 years. He was chairman of the village Housing Authority for eight years. He was also an active member of St. Agnes parish, serving as an usher at the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral for over 40 years.

Robustello & Son, which is marking its 90th anniversary this year, was established by Michael's father, Francis. Michael continued the family legacy and worked with his own son, Frank, for 38 years. His granddaughter, Janine Robustello, said he worked every day until his last day. Robustello & Son was the contractor for numerous municipal projects in Rockville Centre, paving roads and parking lots and replacing water mains and electric duct lines. The company built the foundation for the altar at St. Agnes. Robustello & Son also volunteered staff and supplies for the Sandel Senior Center's 20th anniversary expansion, doing all the cement work for the project.

Michael and Mary were honored by the Friends of Senior Services Inc. at the Sandel Center's annual Monte Carlo Casino Night in 2007. Village Justice Kevin McDonough, who was president of FOSSI at the time, said, “Mike and Mary ... have a tremendous record of community involvement. They have given generously of their time and talents to Rockville Centre.”

“Michael Robustello was a good, generous man who was a true pillar of our community for over half a century,” McDonough said this week. “He and his family literally helped build Rockville Centre through their construction company. He will be missed.”

“He was a wonderful gentleman who did excellent work for the village and will be greatly missed,” said Mayor Mary Bossart, who added that she expects Frank to carry on his father's work.

“We're just really, really sad,” Dr. Cyd Charrow, director of the Sandel Center and the village's Senior Services Department, said of Robustello's death. “He was one of the good guys of Rockville Centre.”

Charrow, an avid promoter of vital aging for senior citizens who encourages them to keep busy, learning and enriching their lives, described Robustello as a man who was “up in years” but still making a difference. “He’s been a really active person throughout the community and he's a down-to-earth, behind-the-scenes kind of guy,” she said in 2007. Charrow recently recalled that when he was honored, the turnout was extremely large. “I think we raised more on that Monte Carlo because he did tremendous outreach,” she said, “and everybody really wanted to honor him with their contributions.”

“I've known Michael almost all of my life and in the Fire Department for many years,” said former Mayor Eugene Murray. “Mike was a very fine person. He had a growl like a bear but it meant nothing. Behind that was a very kind disposition. He loved his family, he loved his village and he loved his Fire Department. He was very devoted to his parish of St. Agnes.”

In addition to his wife, Robustello is survived by his children, Barbara Pelrine and Frank and daughter-in-law Maddie. He was predeceased by a daughter, Phyllis Savarese, and a son-in-law, Donald Pelrine. He was the grandfather of nine: John Savarese, Lisa Shulman, Jeanne Caesar, Debra DiBella, Michael Pelrine, Michael Savarese, Michael Robustello, Janine Robustello and Frankie Robustello. He had three great grandchildren, Isabella Shulman, Ariana DiBella and Anthony DiBella. He was the brother of Marie McManus and husband Jack, and the late Rose and Ben Calcagno, and the cousin of Louise and Joe Nocera. He also had many nieces and nephews.

Janine Robustello said her grandfather loved to be around people and truly touched others' lives. He contributed in any way he could to benefit others and the Rockville Centre community. She described him as dedicated to his many friends who will forever miss his kindness, generosity, love of life, stories and smile.

Robustello's wake was held at Macken Mortuary on Aug. 30 and 31. Janine said his family would like to give a special thanks to the chiefs and fellow members of the village fire and police departments for orchestrating an outstanding tribute to him.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Agnes Cathedral on Sept. 1, after which Robustello was interred in the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury. In lieu of flowers, the family said that donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 245 Old Country Road, Melville, N.Y. 11747.

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