Robert A. Modena

October 4, 1934 - January 10, 2021

Robert A. Modena, has passed away at 86 years of age in Ossining NY. He is predeceased by his wonderful wife, Lorraine F. Modena (Herlihy). He was a loving Dad to Eileen Dolan (Modena) & Tim Dolan, Laura Modena and Kevin Modena. He was also a grandfather to Jeremiah(15), Jonathan (15) and Zackary Dolan (11). He was born and raised in Whitestone and Bayside NY. He moved to Croton briefly when first married, then moved to Peekskill NY where he lived for the rest of his life. He will be dearly missed. Dad was a faithful Catholic Christian and believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Dad had a lot of hobbies and interests. He was an avid gardener and loved to be outside whether it was walking, hiking, camping or tending the hedges and our yard. Dad loved animals and would love to take care of his many variety of pets that included dogs, cats and fish. This also included at times a rabbit and chickens! Dad loved to play piano and one of his favorite songs to play was “Tea for Two”. Dad was an army veteran and a member of the National Guard. He was a 4rth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and had volunteered his time as an usher. Dad was an architect and enjoyed that line of work the most he said. Any job where he could work outside was pleasing to him. He worked on the architectural plans of the NY Presbyterian Hospital in the 1980’s from his jobsite in NYC. He finished his bachelor's degree at Iona College and gradually trained and worked as a road and bridge inspector. He had his own business as a home inspector too. Some beautiful memories have been our family trips around NY State and Connecticut. Dad was always happy and proud to listen to the piano recitals that Kevin and I gave every June. He encouraged us to do well in school. He taught us how to ride our bicycles and drive. He showed me how to make my own rock garden on the side of our backyard with inpatient flowers. He loved to show what he grew in the garden, especially the tons of tomatoes (which we shared with neighbors), summer squash, zucchini, and eggplant. We always ate healthily at home, with 2 vegetables, lean meat or fish and absolutely no fried foods. He was into keeping healthy through diet, vitamin supplements and exercise and we were too. We enjoyed family trips to the beach where he would swim with all of us in the Long Island Sound. He loved hearing how his grandsons were growing up and playing with them. He said he was always available whenever we needed a hug. In the last four years after Mom’s passing, he has been in and out of Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. I applied and had to prove so much for a home health-aide. When we finally got one, it only lasted 6 months after waiting a year for it. Dad had my brother and a home health aide to help him, as he could do less and less for himself. I helped out with everything else and, after a fall and a broken kneecap, then rehab.,he never regained the ability to walk. He has been in a nursing home since 2 ½ years ago. He is a fighter and 2 years back fought himself out of sepsis in the ICU. I was visiting him and praying with him, and was overjoyed when he was better. I visited each weekend and through the covid crisis I would do window visits and zoom calls to visit him. Unfortunately, he got sick Dec. 23rd and was not able to fight himself out of this one. We will miss you dearly. We love you Dad!