Robert G. Altavilla

Robert was born in Avellino, Italy, of Attilio and Flora Altavilla. The family emigrated to the United States in 1960 and settled in Miami. After a few months gaining a rudimentary knowledge of the English language and with a great deal of determination, Robert attended the Miami Community College School of Engineering and graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Robert moved to Tallahassee in July 1967 and began his career in the computer field as a Computer Systems Analyst for the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security (DLES). His strong work effort and talent resulted in numerous promotions over the next 35 years and eventually became the Director of Managed Services with the State Technology Office. He retired from the State of Florida in July 2003, but continued working in the information system field as a consultant until December 2010. In a long and distinguished career as an IT executive for the State of Florida, Robert was recognized as a leader and mentor. As an employee and manager, Robert was always respectful of others, worked hard himself, and tried to be a good example to his staff. He tried to treat them with dignity, help them when needed, and only offered words of encouragement to bring them up and try to help them accomplish the job they were given.

Robert’s lifetime sport and passion was soccer. He was a highly skilled player who played semi-professionally in Italy. After moving to Tallahassee, Robert found a group of soccer enthusiasts; together they began working on donated property on Miller’s Landing Road to create soccer fields. He was a charter member of the Tallahassee Soccer Association since its inception in 1979. He and the other founders dedicated their time, energy, mowers, and other skills to creating the soccer complex that exists today. Through the years Robert continued to play, coach, and referee, freely sharing his love for the game whenever and wherever possible. He developed many fine soccer players and enduring friendships along the way.

Robert was predeceased by his parents, Attilio and Flora; his brothers, Leonardo and Giancarlo; and his sister, Rosanna. He is survived by his sisters, Fausta Primiano and Sylvia D’Aquino (Gaetano); his brothers, Oscar (Anna); Renato (Marta), and Ted. He is also survived by the most important people in his life, his wife, Megan; his step-daughter, Jennifer Hilberth (Kevin); and his son, Justin. The family and wide circle of friends will miss him every day.

Memorial services will be Monday August 24, 2015 at 6:30 PM at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home on Riggins Road. The service will be followed immediately by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice.