Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Robert Modica Obituary
Master acting teacher, actor, father and proud United States Marine Corp veteran of the Korean War, Studied Speech and Drama at Adelphi University where he excelled in sports earning All American Football and Lacrosse player, Adelphi Class President of 1957.
His love of Theater started him in a distinguished career working with famed acting teacher Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse, NYC, as well as teaching at Philip Burton's renowned AMDA American Music and Dramatic Academy and Featured in book, "Acting Teachers of America"
"Robert Xavier Modica was a humble man with a rare power, deep virtue, and breadth of compassion so vast, it could only be matched by his will to serve others in the highest art--the art of helping people better know themselves."
He established his own Acting Studio in the prestigious Carnegie Hall Artist Studios where he taught for nearly 50 years. His work was known to be rigorous and demanding. Classes were intense and highly emotional. His goal was to lead students to a place of truth about themselves so they could inevitably find the truth in any character. He often used his experience as an athlete and Marine to help students understand the commitment needed to be an actor.
He taught such notables as John Turturro, Tyne Daly, Louise Lasser, David Duchovney, Bill D'Eila John Doman, Scott Cohen, Ali Mc Graw, Jennifer O'neill, Jennifer Beals,
Michael, Badalucco, Aida Turturro, Nick Turturro, Rachel Ward.
Student Quotes:
John Turturro: I have worked with many gifted acting teachers who influenced my work... But no one has had the impact that Mr. Modica had on my life and work as an actor. Whenever there is a character I am struggling with, he is the first person I turn to for advice.
David Duchovney: "Modica's integrity, passion, and acute eye for what's true and what is not are standards that I try to live up to every time I try to act. He is an instigator and an inspiration. He had a profound influence on both my acting and my life."
Bill D'Eila: What he taught me I use every day in my work. It's hard to describe what he meant to me. But he lives on in those of us that took those classes. His was a singular talent and passion.
Robert Modica's acting career include Coppola's first film- The Rain People as well as Love Story, Men of Respect, Fast Food Fast Women, TV's Kojak, The Equalize & Shrinks. Robert is survived by his son Robert X. Modica Jr., his daughters Dorothy Bernhardi, Josephine Grover, and Katherine Modica, his former wife Dorothy and beloved partner Donna, his nine grandchildren, and his dearly loved students.
Wake: Tues. March 17 7:00 - 9:00 pm and Wed, March 18 2:00 - 4:00, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home
Funeral Mass: Thurs, March 19 - 11:00am Our Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 37 South Ocean Avenue, Freeport, Long Island
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Modica
Sponsored by anonymous.
Craig Stern
August 3, 2023
I studied with this great teacher at Senior Dramatic Workshop at Carnegie Hall. I learned a lot from him and now teach what he taught me. R.I.P.
Ida Bellone
September 22, 2018
I studied with Mr. Modica back in the 70's at his studio in the Carnegie Hall Artist Studios. He taught us to find the truth within ourselves. We spent long hours in his class searching for that truth which was hard work but oh so wonderful and gratifying. He was a caring human being and I will always remember him with great fondness.
Rosemary Camas
January 25, 2016
The truth in the work was fundamental. To find the truth in the moment was the basis of the work. Your own truth in response to the moment. His gift was seeing the truth in every moment. As a result, there was a connection that happened within each of us - that led, to those who studied with him, to one's own truth - to the center of your own truth - for which I will always be grateful. There were no substitutes - only the reality of living truthfully. The studio was a sacred place holding the souls of all who studied there. Teaching was his life and his passion.
LeAna Masiello
January 17, 2016
Loved Mr Modica. A no nonsense, strong yet compassionate being The very essence of integrity. You will be missed but forever live on for me with all of your wisdom and care you gave me and all of your students. Much love So grateful to have met and studied with you
Laura Arluna
November 7, 2015
I was a student of Mr. Modica at Grover Cleveland High School. I remember our classes well (all those years ago). He became the character as he read parts from different plays. One could tell he loved what he was doing...and then brought it to another level.
I jumped out of my skin when I saw him as the doctor in Love Story. I recently watched it on television and waited for that moment once again. My sister called to tell me that he had passed away. She waited until I returned from a Charleston trip because she knew I would be saddened. We followed him via the internet. I even got my husband interested and we stopped in the lobby of his building on our way to Carnegie performances.
My condolences to the family. His legacy lives on through all the actors that studied under his method!
jeanna carroll-robinson
July 2, 2015
It was all about truth. I could not be the artist, the human I am today without his guidance.
To be real and vulnerable and present. These are the gifts he nurtured in me - in all of us.
Lind Poisson
April 8, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear that you passed away. I just recently came across a letter that you wrote when my uncle was killed in the Korean War to my Grandparents. My uncles name was Herman Poisson, your husband, father knelt over him when he was killed in service and were friends with him in the service. You can find the article your father wrote if you type up Herman Poisson. God rest his sole for his time with my Uncle. If you can't find the letter that he wrote please send me a message and I will send you a copy of this touching letter.I will say a prayer for your father as I take my father to Washington on the 22nd with the Honor Flight. My e-mail address is [email protected]
April 3, 2015
I was very fortunate to have known Bob and to have studied with him. He will be deeply missed. Joan Grove
April 3, 2015
Dad, you are the very fabric of my being...love the girl who rode on the back of your bike...forever, Josephine
Richard Gray
March 26, 2015
Rest In Peace Robert.. Semper Fi.
March 19, 2015
Bob will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind!
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Modica's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Modica
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Modica's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
