Robert F. Distasio

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Robert Frank Distasio, 76, of White Plains, N.Y., passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017,after a brief illness.

Born in Wallingford, Conn., he was the son of the late Anthony Frank Distasio and Ethel Distasio (Kovach). He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony; and sister, Ethel (Valenti). Robert was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School, Mercy College, and Long Island University. He was in banking from 1965 to 1976, becoming vice president of Hartford Federal Savings and Loan. In 1978, Robert began his true vocation as a teacher at BOCES Alternative High School, Fox Meadow Campus, Yorktown, N.Y. He taught there until his retirement in 2005. Robert was beloved by students and faculty and helped many of his students years after their graduation. His passion was working with troubled youth and guiding them through all of life's challenges. Robert volunteered for several organizations and spent many years with Meals on Wheels. Robert was an accomplished pianist and played the organ at his hometown church. In his youth, he recorded and toured with the doo-wop group, The Silver Tones. He was also a talented artist and writer, and a successful breeder an exhibitor of miniature poodles.

He is survived by his life partner, Robert J. Lombardo, of White Plains, N.Y.; his godson, Anthony Distasio; his niece, Donna Valenti, of Wallingford; his brothers, Richard and Donald; and several other nieces and nephews; as well as many friends in New York and Connecticut.

A memorial dinner will be held in White Plains, N.Y. on Sunday, Oct. 1. A funeral service will be held at the United Hungarian Church of Wallingford, 107 Cherry St., on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m., followed by interment at the In Memoriam cemetery of Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society and/or The Humane Society of America.