Bartolo "Bob" S. Erato

Bartolo S. Erato (Bob), 85, passed away on May 15, 2026. Born on February 19, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Bob lived a life marked by steady devotion to family, honest work, and a generous spirit that made others feel welcome and helped. He was a resident of Staten Island, New York.

Bob was married for 64 years to Marguerite Erato, and together they built a family that remained at the center of his life: four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was also one of nine children, a beginning that shaped his enduring appreciation for family ties and the everyday acts of care that hold people together.

In his working life, Bob brought diligence and skill to everything he did. He owned his well-known Brooklyn Candystore for five years, and he later worked as a mechanical engineer at the Brooklyn Veteran’s Hospital. He also served in the National Guard, reflecting a quiet sense of duty and commitment to others.

Bob’s hands were rarely still. He loved building things and working with tools, and he seemed to have exactly the right one for any problem you could imagine. Friends and family knew him as someone who would do anything for you—approachable, dependable, and ready to help without hesitation. In the Great Kills community, he was part of the fabric of everyday life, known for his friendly presence and willingness to lend a hand.

Bob’s practical nature also came with a familiar, endearing honesty: technology was never his favorite companion. Electronic devices could test his patience, and a gift card—though well meant—was likely to leave him more puzzled than pleased. Yet even in those moments, his straightforwardness and good nature were unmistakably his, and they remain among the many small memories that will be held close.

Visitation will be held at Casey-McCallum Rice Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308, on May 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, 110 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308, on May 18, 2026, at 9:45 am.