Robin J. Loomis Distefano

2024, after a courageous, months-long struggle to recover from a spinal cord injury. She is

survived by her husband of 40 years, Carl L. Distefano; her sister Susan Herrmann (and Dr.

Paul W. Herrmann), of San Rafael, California; her sister Christine Loomis, of Boulder, Colorado;

Christine's children, Kira Bercow Riley (and Tim Riley), Molly (Mo) Bercow; and Liam Hutchins

(Hutch) Bercow; and her great-nieces (Kira and Tim’s children), Amara, Winnie and Skyla.

Robin attended The Brearley School in Manhattan and The Putney School in Vermont, and

graduated with a degree in psychology from Hunter College in New York City. She received

her master's degree and advanced certificate in school psychology from City College of the City

University of New York. Her professional life spanned 23 years with the New York City

Department of Education, at first as a teacher of children with autism and for many years as a

school psychologist working with elementary, middle and high school students. Throughout

her career, Robin was a fearless advocate for the well-being of children, especially those

vulnerable to abuse.

After retiring in 2013, Robin loved spending time with her nieces and nephew, and was thrilled

to welcome her three great-nieces into the world. She doted on her free-range rabbits, Tony and

Lily, and avidly followed current events, regaling her friends and family with spirited, often

passionate, commentary. Robin contributed generously to charity, with special attention to

organizations devoted to the welfare of children and animals. Donations in her memory may be

made to Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825;

https://www.savethechildren.org/.

All who knew and loved Robin are welcome to attend her memorial service on Wednesday,

December 4, 2024, at 11:00 A.M., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 225 St. Paul's Avenue, Staten

Island, New York 10304.