Mr. Dominick J. "Dick" Robilotto

Mr. Dominick J. “Dick” Robilotto, age 70, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the support and blessings of his family. Born in Utica on August 9, 1942, Dominick was the son of the late Michael and Virginia M. (LaRocco) Robilotto. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School class of 1960. He then attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He pursued his post-graduate work at Syracuse University where he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Music Education. On November 18, 1967 he was wed to the former Dorene Vance; they were a fun-loving couple who shared a relationship that fell short of years when she passed away on August 22, 1980. Dick began his lifetime career as an educator and mentor in the field of music instruction. He began at the Poland School District where he taught for 28 years and was affectionately known as “Mr. R.”, and “The Mayor of Poland”. Thereafter, he accepted a position with the Utica City School District where he educated students at multiple sites for 9 years. Lastly, he worked as a private teacher for students from Our Lady of Lourdes, Sacred Heart, and Notre Dame. He was a teacher who knew patience and followed through with his students. He was masterful at playing the trumpet and also was proficient in playing all brass and woodwind instruments, as well as piano. Music was his life and he devoted a vast number of years to this passion. At the age of 9, he joined the Utica Post 229 Drum & Bugle Corps. This led him to many years as the Drum Major and later instructor of the Magnificent Yankees. He wrote, arranged and taught music with the Syracuse Brigadiers, Syracuse University Marching Orangemen, Cicero North Syracuse North Stars and many marching bands and drum corps along the East coast. This earned them the honors of marching in the Orange, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl Parades. He was a lifetime member of the NY State Federation of Judges and Local 51 of the Musician’s Union where he served as a Past Officer. At one time, he played with Sal Alberico’s Big Band, the Utica College Band, and conducted the Summer Band Concerts in Dolgeville. Dick was quiet by nature and a comedian at heart with a witty sense of humor. He raised his children as a single parent and he adored his daughters. He taught them to trust in themselves and develop a sense of family bond that held them together to this very day. Dick was blessed with a second chance at love when he was reunited with his childhood friend, Geraldine “Gerri” Vivenzo. Together, they enjoyed 23 years of happiness and adventure, with 13 of those years bonded by marriage. He was also afforded a second opportunity to be a father to Gerri’s sons who loved him as a Dad. The community graciously acknowledged Dick and referred to him as the “Best of the Best”, and he was respected and admired by all. He was also a concerned son and a beloved brother who never forgot his humble beginnings. Throughout his life and career, he had the support of his entire family. In his earlier years, he enjoyed snowmobiling and downhill skiing, and he had an affection for antique cars and attended many car shows. He savored the serenity of his home and was proud of the fact that the West Canada Creek was in his backyard, a place where he could sun himself and hear the water ripple past, enhanced by the sounds of the kayakers and canoers yelling out “Hi, Mr. R.!” Dick was of the Catholic faith. Dick is survived by his wife, Gerri; his daughters, Marlene M. Robilotto of Lowell, MA, and Renee A. Robilotto of NY Mills; his step-sons and daughters-in-law, David and Donnamarie Sprague of N. Utica, and Gaetano “Guy” and Beth Ann Sprague of Sunapee, NH; and the apple of his eye, his step-granddaughter, Ellis Margaret. He also leaves behind his sister, Marie Robilotto of Utica; aunts and uncles including Anne LaNeve, Lucy and Jim Rondinelli, and Joseph Vivenzo; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Ann and Thomas Scheuer, Eleanor Acquaviva, and Guy and Shirley Vivenzo. He was also blessed with a life filled with many wonderful friends, especially acknowledging Anthony and Marilyn DeFazio, longtime and devoted friends who demonstrated great support; and “Corky” Fabrizio, his music collaborator and longtime friend. He was predeceased by his infant sister, Phyllis Ann. The family would like to thank the ICU and 6th Floor staffs at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center who were outstanding in their care of Dick and his family. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Dick’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family