Stoico's philanthropy continues to make a difference in the UMass Dartmouth community
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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Robert F. Stoico, a generous supporter of UMass Dartmouth and its students. Through The Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation, he has made a profound impact on our community.
Stoico believed in the transformative power of education and made creating access to educational opportunities a priority for his charitable foundation. As the chairman of the former FirstFed America Bancorp Inc., located in Fall River, he was aware that many employees of the bank relied on local institutions of higher education to further their careers and advance the trajectory of their lives. In 2007, UMass Dartmouth was one of three institutions that received a $1 million gift from The Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation.
That generous donation was used to establish a scholarship to help students achieve their academic goals and to build The Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation Grand Reading Room located in the Claire T. Carney Library. The site of countless events, meetings, and activities, the gathering space remains a place for students, faculty, and community members to collaborate and share ideas and thoughts.
Robert Stoico’s love for his community, and for providing those around him with opportunities will always be remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Stoico’s family and the Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation. The UMass Dartmouth community is grateful for the impact that he has made.