Robert D. Tantillo

Robert “Robbie” Tantillo, 55, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, November 21, 2021.

Robert was born, May 28, 1966, the oldest of four sons, to Raymond G. Tantillo Sr. and the late Maureen B. (Jones) Tantillo. He was raised and educated in Utica, attended Seymour Elementary, and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School. Robbie attended BOCES for Culinary Arts, before attending Herkimer County Community College, where he studied Digital Communication and Media. Being a DJ, on the college radio station, was the hightlight of his time at HCCC. Robbie was employed for many years as a cook at the Yahnundasis Golf Club, and for the last 14 years as a powder coat painter for DPM Quick Color, of Oriskany.

Music was his life. Robbie spent hours and hours listening to his collection of records and albums from his extensive music library. He also had a DJ company for many years, and loved providing entertainment for all kinds of parties. He enjoyed attending concerts and listening to live music, and especially enjoyed being part of and following his favorite band, Crushing June.  Robbie was a shutterbug. You could always find him on the other side of a camera or video recorder amassing hundreds of hours of video, and thousands of pictures. He was an avid sports enthusiast. His knowledge of sports and music trivia was unparalleled. Robbie loved science fiction and authored several fiction thriller novels. He was a devoted Star Wars fan, collecting of all types of memorabilia, and loved attending Comic Cons.

A real homebody, Robbie was instrumental in caring for his mom until her passing and was always there for his dad as his personal cook and valet. Most recently Robbie was volunteering for the Central New York Labor Council.

He will be sadly missed by his dad, Raymond and his fiancée, Cynthia Sykes; his three brothers, twins, Raymond Jr. and Jodi Tantillo, Sam Tantillo, and Russell and his girlfriend, Jennifer Trevisani; his nephews and niece, Jiovanni, Jenaro, and Rayme Tantillo, and Francesca and Sean O’Connell; aunts and uncles, Mary Ellen and Bobby Tofolo, Bobby Jones, Linda and Ken Harris, Barbara Orlowski, and Patty Yaddow; many cousins, including a special cousin, who was like a sister, Samantha DeRiso; and his Godparents, Richard Santillo and Charlene Sangiacomo. He was predeceased by his mother, Maureen; and his uncles and aunt, Salvatore “Babe” Tantillo, Nancy and Doug Falby and Joe Orlowski.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 29, at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, 2222 Genesee St., Utica. All attendees are required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org

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