By David Gordon
Students and faculty members were shocked to learn of the untimely death of Robert Licata, Assistant Professor in the School of Communication’s Department of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations. Licata suddenly passed away on Sunday, February 15 of kidney failure. He was 50 years old.
His colleagues, still in shock, put emphasis on the ‘sudden’ aspect. “He taught over the January break,” said Department Chair Bob Papper. “That’s part of why it’s so surprising. He went into the hospital just before the spring term began.”
Licata, who was given the 2007 Teacher of the Year Award, was remembered by his students and colleagues as “one of a kind,” “a true pro” and someone who “always had a smile on his face.”
“He was a very warm human being,” said Papper, “with lots of friends…people would always say hello to him.”
“The man was a born orator,” said Assistant Professor of Journalism Mo Krochmal. “To hear him talk was to hear words perfectly formed, nurtured and delivered.”
Upon hearing of Licata’s death, Krochmal created a Facebook group in his honor. By press time, the group had over 100 members, from current and former students to colleagues at News 12 Long Island, where Licata served as a producer for 21 years.
“I would be in touch with Robert during his teaching years at Hofstra,” stated former News 12 colleague Ethan Dreilinger in a Facebook post,
“and was able to understand a different side of the business.”
“It is a great loss for the Hofstra community,” posted former student Crystal Cohen.
“I had the privilege of knowing Professor Licata for two years, but the impact he made on my life will last forever,” said Broadcast Journalism student Emma Fowler. “I’ll never forget the time when I was completely overwhelmed and he said ‘Emma, you’ve come this far, I know you will be a success in this industry, just get your degree.’ He sensed I was discouraged and got me through a difficult time.”
Former Department Chair Barbara Kelly also remembered Licata fondly. “I have always admired faculty who not only teach well, but care about theirstudents,” she said via email. “We view our role as that of preparing our students to do the work of a journalist, but also to understand the history and significance of journalism to a well functioning democracy.
Professor Licata took this dual obligation to heart. He worked tirelessly to help his students achieve their professional goals, while setting high standards for their academic accomplishments.”
Licata received his BFA from New York University and MA from Hofstra. He began teaching at the University in 1997, being appointed full-time assistant professor in 2005.
He was an Emmy nominee and the recipient of awards from the Press Club of Long Island and a Fair Media Council FOLIO.
“We [will] remember him for what he was,” began Samantha Manning, WHRU News Director and one of Licata’s advisees, “a quirky, easy-going yet highly intellectual professional, teacher, husband and so much more. I will sorely miss Professor Licata and I’m sure that all of his students feel the same way.”
Funeral services for Professor Licata will be held Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at the Bellmore Presbyterian Church, (2740 Martin Avenue, Bellmore). He will be interned at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.
Licata is survived by his wife of 23 years, Paula Ganzi Licata, his father, Sam Licata and his brother, Richard Licata.
The University has ordered for campus flags to be lowered to half-staff and a memorial service in the School of Communication is being planned.