WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY - A good man with unique abilities, cared for by a village of supporters, has passed away.
The New Year’s baby of 1959, Peter Henry Robitaille was born in New Bedford, MA to Paul E. Robitaille and Barbara E. Robitaille (Sherman). As a boy, Peter was given a series of exercises for his cerebral palsy called Patterning. These exercises were done in his home by his family and a dedicated team of over 75 volunteers for several years.
He graduated from Rehab School (Abilities First) class of 1980. As an adult, Peter attended Abilities First neighborhood center day programs, most recently at Senior’s. He loved spending time in the community alongside his peers. With the support of Adam and team, he displayed awesome work habits and was perfectly willing and wishful to attend program on his days off! Peter attended St. Mary’s church in Wappingers Falls with his family. He had a special seat up front that allowed him to be taken out of his wheelchair and sit in the pew.
Peter was such a social butterfly. He loved parties and celebrating any life event with family and housemates. Peter enjoyed 50’s music, jazz, singalongs, attending local high schools musicals. He loved rides in the cart on the back of the lawnmower (thanks cousin David), car rides, train rides and boat rides on the Hudson Rip Van Winkle. He had a quirky fondness for elevator rides. Changes caused Peter sadness like the loss of being able to pay the gas station and toll booth attendants. He was always game to help make a list for shopping at the mall. Peter insisted he be the holder of the money or card to pay for purchases like his favorite strawberry ice cream.
Peter is survived by his dedicated father, Paul E. Robitaille, brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Marie Robitaille, sister and brother-in-law Paula Robitaille and Brian Marcinkowski, nephews Nick and Luis Robitaille and Scott and Gregg Marcinkowski. His aunt and uncle, Lillia and Robert Sherman as well as cousins held a special place in his heart.
Peter is also survived by his housemates Barry, Carlos, Gina, Lauren, Lucy, Mark, Maryann, Richard, and Sylvia. The fantastic staff at Universal house (Annette, Ariel, Audrey, Brittany, Branden, Esther, George, Heather, Irisa, Jaliyl, Maricia, Maurice, Mitchell, Paola, Peter, Roberto, Sara, and Shanna) created a loving home where Peter was treated with outmost dignity. He was listened to, made his own choices and thrived to live his best life. Peter gave back to his care giving family by the genuine interest he took in their lives and their well-being. He asked great questions about their after work plans, what they made for dinner, and was always tuned in when they were ill. Annette acted as his confidant and 2nd mom for their over 35 years together at Greystone. Audrey provided Peter with delicious meals and the satisfaction food brought to his life.
Through diligent Greystone nursing and Hudson Valley Hospice support, Peter’s final wishes were fulfilled. With such graciousness he was able to pass away in his own room, in his own bed and know he would be missed. A larger than life celebration occurred the last week of Peter’s life. He wanted to look good and stylist Odilia gave him his best haircut at home. He enjoyed music therapy from hospice as Holly and his housemates’ serenaded him in his room. Through visits and phone calls from family and caregivers throughout his life, Peter was told what specifically had endeared him to others and to respond in return. What an opportunity to hear directly how your life impacted others!
He was predeceased by his most staunch advocate, his own personal CSW-R, his mother, Barbara E. Sherman. He was also predeceased by his baby brother, Philip, loving step mother, May Robitaille, and uncle Raymond Robitaille. His late housemates will also be there to welcome him in Heaven. As Peter was informed, Heaven has no place for wheelchairs, braces and wrist splints. His vision will work just fine. Pureed foods will no longer be on the menu. Oh the food choices he will make now as he moves effortlessly about Heaven in such great company. Peter will be buried next to his mother at a private service out-of-state.
Please consider a donation to the not for profit agencies that so significantly cared for Peter. Abilities First, Inc. (abilitiesfirstny.org) for educating Peter and providing him post-graduation with a meaningful day program.
Greystone Programs, Inc. (greystoneprograms.org) for providing Peter with a safe and loving group home for almost 40 years.