Robert Scileppi

Robert I. Scileppi DDS, M.D.

LaGrange - Robert I. Scileppi, DDS, MD aged 89 passed away at home on Monday, September 6, 2016. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 23, 1927. He was the son of Myron M. Scileppi, DDS and Genevieve C. Scileppi. He grew up in Rockville Centre, NY. He showed great interest in the study of science, and in college he was a pre-med major before his studies were interrupted by a call to service in the United States Navy as the last days of World War II played out. He served his country as a pharmacists mate from 1945 -1947. He returned from the Navy and completed his studies at Mount St. Mary's College for Men in Emmitsburg, MD and graduated in 1949. He enrolled in the New York University College of Dentistry and graduated in 1953 with his DDS degree. He entered an oral surgery residency at King's County Hospital and formed a strong interest in the work of a team of trauma specialists comprised of Dentists and Residents in the School's Plastic Surgery program. This exposure to the reconstructive work the trauma team was performing had a profound impact on his life and career. He decided he wanted to pursue a medical degree and become a Plastic Surgeon. He enrolled and later graduated from the State University of New York Downstate Medical College in 1959, and began a residency in General Surgery, followed by a residency in Plastic Surgery.

After returning from the Navy he was set up on blind date, with a girl from neighboring Western Maryland College. This began their love story; Robert I. Scileppi and Alice V. Brodrick were married on November 7, 1953 in Baltimore, MD. Throughout all of Robert's years of schooling Alice lived with her in-laws and raised their family of six children.

In 1966 he moved his family to Poughkeepsie, New York to join Dr. Frederick MacDowell in the practice of Plastic Surgery in the Hudson Valley. He soon developed a great love for all of the attributes of the Hudson Valley and the people who live here. He was dedicated to his practice and the patients he served, and was fortunate to have developed many lasting friendships with his patients and many co-workers at all levels in the healthcare field. Dr. Scileppi and Dr. MacDowell formed Hudson Valley Plastic Surgeons, P.C. and worked together for twenty-five years until their retirement in 1991.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Alice, their sons; William, Christopher, Peter and his wife Mary and their children Christopher, Alexandra and Sarah; Jeremy and his wife Sharon and their children Matthew and Jonathan; daughter Alice Claire and her husband Robert Douglas and their children Zane and wife Elizabeth, Charlotte, Angela, John Burke and Dean; and one great-grandchild Aurora Decker.

He is also survived by his siblings Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Yanity of Ridgefield CT, Thomas Scileppi and Anne Bush of Chicago, IL and sister in law Mrs. Ann Jill Scileppi of Whipple, OH, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Both his parents predeceased him, as did his son Robert I. Scileppi in 1970, his brother in law Dr. Peter V. Yanity in 2008, and his brother Dr. Edward M. Scileppi in 2013.

Known fondly as "Dr. Bob" he was a keen competitor, an avid golfer, bowler, outdoorsman, private pilot, voracious reader and card player. He was a longtime member of the Dutchess Golf and Country Club, the Amrita Club, the Italian Center, and the Elks Lodge, all in Poughkeepsie, New York.

He possessed great faith and was a devout Roman Catholic who believed in the power of prayer and was a humble and faithful person. He loved all people. He possessed a deep sense of responsibility and always wanted to be a good example. All who knew him will sorely miss him.

Visitation is Sunday, September 11, 2016, 2-5PM, at the Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc. 39 So. Hamilton St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 845-452-1840. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated, Monday, September 12, 2016, 10AM at St. Mary's Church 231 Church St Poughkeepsie, NY with Msgr. John Brinn officiating. Interment to follow in the family plot, St. Peter's Cemetery, 171 Salt Point Turnpike Poughkeepsie, NY. To send online condolences please visit www.darrowfu neralhome.org.