Disability advocate Roberto De Pasquale dies after lifelong advocacy for disabled community

As the state’s leading disability advocate and the director of a NDIS service, Roberto De Pasquale has been remembered for “touching the lives of many” across the state.

The parents of one of South Australia’s leading disability advocates, Roberto De Pasquale, have shared their devastation after his death earlier this month.

Paolo and Maria De Pasquale told how their “hearts are broken” following the death of their 46-year-old son on November 5.

His parents Paolo and Maria wrote: “There are no words to explain our pain. It seems like our world can no longer go on without you.

“So many things left unsaid, our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same. Our love for you will be forever.”

Disability Advocate Robert De Pasquale passed away at home earlier this month. Picture: Supplied

Mr De Pasquale was much-loved for his big personality and giving nature. Picture: Supplied

Mr De Pasquale was well respected as an NDIS director and disability advocate, raising awareness of living with spina bifida, a birth defect affecting his spine and ability to walk.

On his LinkedIn account in October, he shared: “Spina bifida hasn’t been a hindrance but a teacher. It has instilled in me a spirit of resilience, determination, and an understanding of the potency of my abilities, even in the face of adversity.”

As the director of Be Able Australia, Mr De Pasquale had helped many through the “maze”, as he once described it, of the NDIS.

In a tribute, his brother Sandro wrote he had “touched the lives of so many people” and would be missed by many.

“You suffered so much in this life and told so few,” shared Sandro. “We know that you made the most of any situation and enjoyed your life as much as you could… I hope you are free.”

His brother Frank said in a tribute: “You made us laugh... we wouldn’t have you any other way.” Picture: Supplied

Mr De Pasquale was a well-respected NDIS director. Picture: Supplied

The cause of death of Mr De Pasquale had not been revealed, but his family shared how they didn’t have a chance to say goodbye.

His brother, Frank, added: “Words cannot explain the pain that you have left in our hearts. We will miss that big cheeky smile of yours that you had whenever we were together.

“You made us laugh and you made us cry, but we wouldn’t have had you any other way. The only peace we have is that you are no longer suffering.”

Mr De Pasquale leaves behind his parents, two older brothers and his four nieces and nephews, Paul and Adriana, Natalia and Lukas.

His uncle Rob was the last to leave a tribute, sharing: “We will hold onto the memories forever and hope one day we will see you again.”