Lynbrook Atria's Nathan Schafroth dies at 45

Lynbrook Atria’s Nathan Schafroth died of complications from kidney cancer on July 25. He was 45.

Schafroth was born on Aug. 16, 1975, and grew up in Middleburgh, just west of Albany. He was a Yankees fan, a beer lover and his favorite band was Poison. In 2004, he moved to Wantagh  and began working at Atria of Lynbrook. He married the love of his life, Gina Lombardi, and they had two children together, Derek , 14, and Alexa, 12. 

Schafroth worked as an assistant coach for every sport his kids desired to play. He was devoted to his family. He also loved working with the elderly at Atria. He and the residents developed bonds that lasted beyond the facility. Schafroth worked alongside Dianna Viglietta at the facility for eight years and they grew to be close friends who worked well as a team

Five years ago, Schafroth was diagnosed with kidney cancer. His friends described him as a pillar of strength and courage as he death with surgeries, treatments and even after the cancer spread to other areas. He was always fighting to get back to work to gain normalcy his way. Schafroth wanted to keep the routine normal by working as much as possible.

Earlier this year proved his hardest challenge when the cancer had spread to his bone and fractured his shoulder. Ever the trooper, Schafroth rallied through two surgeries and treatments, as well as physical therapy to return to work a little over a month later. Although he returned to work and was hopeful. Sadly the cancer had returned and by May it had spread to his stomach , colon and other areas. Yet ever the fighter Nathan was still determined, but unfortunately Viglietta  said that the last she saw him was July 12, when she gave him a hug and words of hope. She recalled that he offered her positivity even at the end  and told her she was a good friend and employee, and that he would be back on July 25.

Viglietta texted with him for several days back and forth, and she also sent him pictures with the residents with well wishes. His last text to her was on July 22, when he told her he was tired. His five year battle ended three days later.

Schafroth’s memorial service was held at Charles J. O’Shea’s Funeral Home in Wantagh on July 30. A Mass was held at St. Frances de Chantal Church, also in Wantagh, on July 31. His family organized a GoFundMe to help with costs at gofund.me/9eed857b.