Robert Vincent Prestiano
How do you know Robert? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Robert Vincent Prestiano, 78, passed suddenly into the next life on October 3, 2021, in his home. Robert was born March 28, 1943, the only child of Sam and Rose Scafide Prestiano. He grew up in a three-generation household with extended family nearby, in an Italian neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, of which he told many stories. For a time in Catholic seminary, Bob received a bachelor's degree from Loyola University and studied at Loyola of Chicago's Rome Center in Rome, Italy for a year. Because of his encounter with the art riches there, he went on to earn a Doctorate in Art History at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Bob taught at Beloit College in Wisconsin and at Western Illinois University before teaching history of art at Angelo State University, from 1973 to 2006. He directed many San Angeloans on study tours to the art centers of Europe, and published numerous articles and a book. In 1989 he received Vatican permission to examine, from the scaffolding, the restoration work then being done on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, even being allowed to touch the brush-strokes of Michelangelo. Bob served as lector and eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart Cathedral and was faculty sponsor of ASU's Catholic Newman Center. He was active in Concho Contemporary Fine Arts Association, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and other arts organizations. An avid photographer, Bob had many gallery displays of his work. Besides his amazing knowledge and constant drive to learn, Bob was an inspiring and caring friend. His enthusiastic discussions of art or philosophy with friends could go on until 4 AM.
Robert is survived by his beloved sons Benjamin and Joseph Prestiano, and by friend and former wife Jerrilyn Prestiano.
A memorial service is planned for the future.
Online condolences may be made at www.shafferpioneer.com