Robert Dennis Scarpelli

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness we announce the loss of Robert Dennis Scarpelli, who passed away peacefully on December 21st, 2024, surrounded only with love by his wife Penny, children Anthony and Kelly Scarpelli, niece Lauren Allen, and Brother in Law Mark, and his wife Teri.

Robert Dennis Scarpelli, first came to this world on Monday August 10th, 1959. From the very beginning, his purpose was too large and too vast, that he was blessed with two mothers. Marilyn Byrne, (affectionally known as Heyma) delivered Robert with so much love, she set him on his path that would eventually lead to his family and purpose, only to meet again and love till the end, when the timing was just right.

Joan Mary Templeton Scarpelli and Anthony Edward Scarpelli took Robert and his three other adopted siblings, John Scarpelli, Gigi Dattoma and Maggie Macdonald under their wings and raised them in Malverne NY, in such a selfless way it was only rich with love. Memories of spending summers with his cousins The Heim family, as they were more like brothers and sisters than cousins. Living life full of memories in New York City and Lake George only grew better with time.

As Robert grew into his young adult life, his reputation for being a bad boy was pretty apparent. Having a whole season in life where parties, dare deviling and all the trouble you can find that the 80’s could provide. Rob gave into his dare devil spirit frequently, and eventually made a career as sky dive instructor at Blue Sky Ranch, where he would fatedly, in a true rock and roll fairy tale style, meet the love of his life, Penny.

It was not long after that, he dropped (some) of his bad boy act, saw his father through his own personal cancer journey, and moved to Florida to start a new chapter, with his beautiful wife.

Penny and Rob had two amazing children, Anthony Robert Scarpelli and Kelly Morgan Scarpelli. Penny and Rob raised their kids to have the same sense of adventure, spirit, humor and love that continued to expand and grow through all the friends, family, dogs and visitors. As the amazing team they always have been, Penny and Rob fostered a safe home, that always had an open door policy, food in the fridge for anyone to enjoy any and all times. Always providing red carpet treatment to friends and family. Penny provided the fun, and Rob provided never ending solid structural life advice, equally delivered with his distinct out of pocket humor. Later in life, Rob was fortunate to discover he had another daughter, Heather Toczek, and three smart and beautiful grandchildren that the Scarpelli family had the opportunity to enjoy together.

This powerful combination was a source of core memories, inspiration and comfort for countless family members, friends, pets, tenants, visitors and neighbors. The kind of spark you only find and receive through true love, for decades to come.

To know Rob, is to know that he was the ultimate, stand up, New York Italian family man and gentleman. He had a sense of confidence that allowed everyone to feel safe following his lead. He was incredibly generous and thought of the small things, especially when they were practical. To know Rob, is to know he always considered how parking looked in advance to any outing, especially if he needed a wingman in the driver seat just in case. To know Rob, is to know that he always said feelings get in the way of everything, but he always honored them and never made anyone feel bad when they had them. To know Rob, is to know that he was a carpenter by trade, and could install new floors, kitchen cabinets and wiring all on his own, successfully the first time, with homemade sandwiches and Publix water bottles in his cooler. To know Rob, is to know he bragged about having the same Velcro wallet for decades, because there simply was no need for upgrade. To know Rob, is to know he could come up with a solution for almost any scenario, even if he was open to suggestions. To know Rob, is to know he would take a night a home, spending time with family every single day over anything else, especially if there was a new episode of Survivor. To know Rob, is to know he would bring donuts to his nurses and check in clerks during his treatments. In the hope they knew they were appreciated, because he knew their job was hard too. And who doesn’t like a donut.

His life, legacy and infamous stories and one liners will not be all captured at once. It’s impossible. His manner of death is nothing compared to his spirit and legacy, that until the very end, he beat cancer in the way he lived, loved, and stayed strong for everyone around him. In no way, at all, did this diminish his fight. Only the love that rallied and surrounded him, will prove how heroic, and courageous he truly was and remained no matter way.

Robert is survived by his Incredible Wife Penny Allen Scarpelli, his Mother Marylin Byrne, “Heyma”, his children Anthony and Kelly Scarpelli, Heather Toczek, his niece Lauren Allen, His Sisters Gigi Dattoma and husband Jon, Maggie Macdonald and husband Rob, Tami O’Connor and husband Ward Mazzucco, Colleen (Byrne) Shahinian and husband Aret Shahinian, his brothers John Scarpelli and Wife Diane, Robert Byrne and Thomas Byrne. His Brother in Law and Wife Mark and Terri Allen. His mother in law Bunny Allen along with many, many nieces, nephews and grandchildren with Heather.