Roberta Trivilino – known for her dazzling smile, quiet strength, perseverance, love, and strong belief in the Lord – passed away on October 15, 2022. Our dear “Oma” was 88.

Roberta was born in Ridgewood, Queens NY in the apartment in which she would grow up. A graduate of Grover Cleveland High School, she was business manager of the school newspaper, a Girl Scout, Thespian, and active member at Trinity Dutch Reformed Church.  Roberta began her collegian studies in the evenings at Brooklyn College while working during the day for the telephone company.

Roberta married her high school sweetheart, Armand, in February 1955. Shortly thereafter, she traveled by ship to Allied-occupied Germany where they lived in Munich while Armand served in the U.S. Army.  After returning stateside Roberta worked as a church secretary in Brooklyn.

After moving to Garden City on Long Island, Roberta continued to raise her family, serving as a loving and supportive wife and mother.  She worshipped and was an active member at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.  Each evening after bedtime prayers she would quote her father by encouraging her children to “Wake up with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.”  Having paused her college studies to live in Europe and then raise her young family, Roberta was determined to complete her degree.  While her children were attending school, Roberta walked two miles each way to Hofstra University’s campus where she was a Communications Arts major. At the end of her 24-year collegian journey there was loud applause at Roberta’s commencement when her name was announced.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1976.

Following graduation, Roberta worked for the Garden City School District, initially in the Junior High School’s Audio-Visual Arts Department and subsequently at Stewart Elementary School.  As a leader in the American Legion Auxiliary William Bradford Turner Post #265, Roberta held officer positions and was Past President. As a member of the American Association of University Women, Roberta advocated for women and their pursuit of higher education.

In retirement, Roberta and Armand moved to Heritage Lake in New Port Richey, FL. Roberta was an active member of many organizations and clubs in their community. She served as an ombudsman with the Pasco County Department of Elder Affairs. Participating with the local faith community, Roberta was a fervent believer in prayer and most recently was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church. Roberta enjoyed observing wildlife from her kitchen table, growing orchids, and dancing with her beloved Armand.

Roberta and Armand cherished playful and laughter-filled visits with their sons and their families.  Surviving Oma are Alan (Mary Beth) and Mark (Cindy), and grandchildren (Alex, Hannah, Katie and Michael). Roberta is also survived by her godson David Gigler (Charlotte).

Roberta is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Armand; parents William (Ernie) and Bertha Barth; and Godmother Kathryn Plank.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes (dobiesfuneralhome.com). Roberta will be laid to rest with her husband, Armand, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell FL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church’s Building Fund (3100 Starkey Blvd., New Port Richey, FL 34655) or to American Legion Auxiliary #265 (PO Box 8, Garden City, NY 11530).