The William Floyd School District is saddened to announce the passing of William Floyd Board of Education vice president Robert Guerriero, who has faithfully served the district and community as a trustee for the past 11 years.  

“Mr. Guerriero was an integral part of the William Floyd school community and had a tremendously positive impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside him,” said Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “He was a kind man with a big heart who always did the right thing for our schools and community; he will be sorely missed. On behalf of the William Floyd School District, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Guerriero family and all who loved him.”

April Coppola, president, William Floyd Board of Education, added, “On behalf of the William Floyd Board of Education, we send our deepest sympathies to the Guerriero family. Bob had a great love for our community and spent countless hours helping to improve it in any way that he was able to,” she said. “His kindness, passion and thoughtfulness will be truly missed on the Board and in our community; he will always be in our hearts.”

In addition to his Board service, Mr. Guerriero volunteered, served and supported various school or community causes including the William Floyd Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, Colonial Youth & Family Services, the Rotary Club, the William Floyd Alumni Association, the Cultural Arts Guild, the Tri Hamlet Day celebration, the Mastic Peninsula Historic Society, the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association and much more with an eye always toward helping his community flourish.

Mr. Guerriero was a resident of the community for the past 36 years, first purchasing a home in the community with his brother in 1986. In 1993, Bob married his wife, Karen, and they have lived in Mastic Beach ever since. Bob’s two daughters, Karen (William Floyd High School Class of 2012) and Kristie (William Floyd High School Class of 2014), attended the William Floyd School District K-12, attended college and begun successful careers in their chosen professions.

Bob first started attending board meetings thanks to the encouragement of former longtime trustee and former board vice president, Jeananne Dawson, and embraced public service and advocating on behalf of William Floyd’s students and community.

Mr. Guerriero was appointed to the Board of Education in 2011 when a vacancy occurred and was subsequently elected as a trustee in 2012 to fill the remainder of the term expiring in 2013. He was then re-elected to full three-year terms in 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022.

After Robert Vecchio’s retirement as BOE president, and former vice president April Coppola’s ascension to board president, Mr. Guerriero was elected by his colleagues to serve as the board vice president. 

As a trustee, Mr. Guerriero was most proud of the district’s increasing graduation rate, the overwhelming approval of the capital project that provided state-of-the-art facilities, putting forth fiscally responsible budgets and providing vast opportunities for students including the creation of the district’s in-house Career and Technical Education program. Mr. Guerriero shared that he most enjoyed presenting diplomas to students at graduation, as it was a milestone accomplishment marking the end of one chapter of their lives and the beginning of a new one with endless possibilities.

In his career, Mr. Guerriero served as the president of the Rockville, Springfield & Plain Lawn Cemeteries, an industry that he served in for more than 50 years. As president, he was responsible for all the day-to-day operations, as well as payroll, investments and all that is inherent in this type of not-for-profit industry. Mr. Guerriero believed that his service in this industry provided him the opportunity to help families who have suffered the loss of a loved one, which showcased his kindness and generosity of spirit on a daily basis.

Mr. Guerriero is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karen, and his daughters, Karen and Kristie.

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The service information for Robert Guerriero is as follows:

Wake
Thursday, October 20, 2 pm - 4 pm and 7 pm -9 pm
Roma Funeral Home
539 William Floyd Parkway
Shirley, NY, 11967

Mass
Friday, October 21 at 10:45 am
St. John the Evangelist RC Church
25 Ocean Avenue
Center Moriches, NY 11934