Robert E. Sgroi

Robert Eugene “Bob” Sgroi , age 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Stuart Meyer Hospice House, Palm Coast Florida.

Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 4, 1938, to Eugene and Mary Sgroi, their only child. Bob cherished his family memories of life in Brooklyn and it was there that he met his wife Barbara and married on June 15, 1957. The couple settled in Brooklyn where they had 2 children – Robert and Linda.  Bob and Barbara moved to Brentwood, Long Island in 1963 where their son James was born. The family ultimately settled in Sayville in 1967 where they raised their family on Elm Street and enjoyed boating – summers at Barrett Beach, Islander Games and family dinners on Sunday always featuring Italian food and always with an “open door” to their children’s friends and neighbors.

Bob was a hard worker and took great pride in each of the positions he held.  He cherished the friendships he made in his career and remained a loyal friend to so many long after he retired and moved with Barbara to Palm Coast, Florida in 1995.

Bob served as Personnel Director, Town of Islip, Vice President, Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust Company and Commissioner of Real Estate, County of Suffolk.  While serving as Commissioner of Real Estate, Bob was instrumental in preserving the highly sensitive land located within the Central Pine Barrens as a result of the aggressive Open Space and Drinking Water Protection programs.  He also expanding the Suffolk County Farmland Program and a number of his initiatives received national honors.  Bob was also Part Time Adjunct Professor, specializing in real estate at Suffolk Community College and Legislative Aid to the Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature.  The last position Bob held was Director of Procurement (Purchasing) for the Flagler County Sherriff’s Office from 2005 – 2013.  Bob enjoyed his time working in the Sherriff’s Office where he served under Donald Fleming, who would become one of his dearest friends. 

Bob attended New York University and received a BA., in Banking and Finance. He served in the military where he rose to 1st Lieutenant in 1962.  He was honorably discharged in 1965. Bob was active in politics and enjoyed getting involved in local community affairs – always focused on doing what was best for residents and families.

In Palm Coast, Bob was an appointed member, Palm Coast Service District Advisory Council. He was a member of the Sheriff’s Department Citizen’s Observation Patrol, Service Club Member of the Palm Coast Elks Lodge # 2709, Appointed Member of the Flagler County Housing and Planning Boards, Vice Chairman to the Architectural Review Committee and a devoted volunteer at Marineland.  In 2000, Bob was appointed by Governor Bush and confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Northeast Regional Planning Council.  He truly enjoyed his time as member of the Planning Sub- Committee.

Bob had a life-long love affair with Italian Food and was passionate about horse racing, the Met’s, Islanders and Jets.  He was a great neighbor, friend, husband, father and uncle to many. He was known affectionately as the Great Sante, Dad Lease and Pop Pop. He was a long -time parishioner of Mother Elizabeth Seton Church in Palm Coast.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Barbara, their children Robert, Linda and James and his 6 grand-children, Rebecca, Nicole, Robert, Justin, Elizabeth and Julianna. He is also survived by Chris, Claudia and Yvette his son and daughter in-laws.

He is predeceased in death, by his parents, Eugene and Mary and his son John Christopher.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be held later this year.

Bob is deeply missed by his family

The family of Mr. Sgroi entrusted the arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.