He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Maria Franca (Vitali), daughters, Beatrice (Frank) Scopone and Carol Anne Bastianelli (Russell Van Hoosear), eight grandchildren, Nicholas Scopone, Dominic Scopone, Lauren Lys, Lance Lys, Andre’a Scopone, Brooke Bastianelli, Robert Lys, and Gabriella Scopone. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends whom were close to his heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents Sabato and Beatrice (Gargaro) Bastianelli, sisters Ilia (the late Umberto) Iannetta, and Maria Martha (the late Antonio) DiStefano.
Roberto was born on October 17, 1934 in Atina, Italy. He immigrated to America in 1956 with a suitcase and a dream. He made a life in America as a cement finisher for 50 years. Roberto was proud to be an Italian-American and was a proud member of Associazione Laziali, Madonna de Campo Associazione, and The Sant’Elia Club. He valued his Italian heritage and passed that on to his family and friends. He was proud of his wine and was happy to share it with everyone. He enjoyed working in his garden and loved to share what he grew. He also enjoyed making homemade spaghetti and gnocchi and made enough to feed the neighborhood. He enjoyed playing cards and having his friends and family over to the house. Roberto was a man of great kindness, and profound gratitude for his family and friends; he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
We will honor his life on Wednesday, June 26th from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be held at 7:00 p.m. at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home 30351 Dequindre Road Madison Heights, MI. 48071.
Funeral services for Roberto will be held on Thursday, June 27th at St. Rene Catholic Church, 35955 Ryan Road, Warren MI 48310; InState at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Roberto will be laid to rest on Thursday, June 27th at Holy Sepulchre, 25800 W 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48033
