Robert Trocciola

ROBERT TROCCIOLA 4/24/1942 – 6/30/2022

Born and raised in Mastic Beach, New York and diagnosed mentally disabled as a child. Older brother to Raymond Trocciola (deceased 2019), Eldest son of parents Joseph Trocciola (deceased 1969) and Theresa Trocciola (deceased 2007). Brother-in-Law to Raymond’s Wife, Georgette Trocciola (deceased 2016). Uncles to Joseph (wife Deborah) Trocciola, John (wife Kathleen) Trocciola and Christine J. Schroder (husband Bruce). Great Uncle to only grandchild, Morgan C. Schroder (parents of Bruce & Christine J. Schroder).

Assisted his father and mother with their family supermarket, Joe’s Supermarket, also located in Mastic Beach, until his father’s death in 1969 and its closure soon after. Lived with his mother for 65 years until her death in 2007. When living at home, he enjoyed riding his bike throughout Mastic Beach and making a point of stopping by Pat & Mike’s Gas Station and the Mastic Beach Fire House and offering his help. The Fire Department were appreciative of his assistance that they awarded him an honorary service plague. Also while living at home, he attended AHRC’s day workshop program for the disabled through his teenage and early adult years. There he made arts and crafts and would often give those items to relatives as gifts.  Later in his life, he transferred to IGHL’s day workshop program performing similar tasks. IGHL also involved provided day trips to family farms and other places, which he enjoyed.

After his mother died, he moved into his Aunt’s & Uncle’s (Anna & Ben Intonato) house located next door to his mother’s and father’s house in Mastic Beach. After Hurricane Sandy in 2011 destroyed their home, he moved into IGHL’s Tuckahoe/Southampton Group Home in 2012.  He lived at Tuckahoe Group Home for eight years until its closure in 2020.  He moved into IGHL’s Flanders Group Home from 2020 until his death. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with IGHL’s group homes and the love and unwavering care provided by their staff. While at the Tuckahoe Group Home, he commented on delicious meals prepared by Chef Jose and personal attention Jose gave him, like cutting his hair and giving him a clean shave. While at Flanders Group Home, he enjoyed their daily trips, such as to Walmart to pick out clothes and anything else needed, as well as getting gelatin ice cream, picking pumpkins in the fall and walking on the beach in the spring and summer. He was so happy when the Assistant House Manager Dan helped him get ready every day and assisted him with his daily activities. He loved RN/House Manager Teresa for the love and support she provided every day, whether it be looking after his medical needs or personalized care. There was no shortage of love at the groups homes for Robert and the other disabled residents.

His favorite interests were watching cowboys and Indians and cop shows. He even dressed up as a cowboy one Halloween. It was important for him to be dressed well and he did so everyday dressing in a new suit jacket, dress shirt, slacks and cologne. He loved cologne so much that it was a popular gift given to him on many holidays and birthdays. His favorite food was macaroni and his favorite dish was his mother’s macaroni dish called Pasta Fazool, which she inherited from her family. He was a very affectionate and caring human being, always looking to hold your hand and give you a kiss. He will be remembered as a very kind, loving and gentle soul to anyone who came in contact with him.

He died peacefully on June 30, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and will be greatly missed.