From Patient to Volunteer: Robert Riolo’s Inspiring Journey at Silver Hill Hospital

Robert Riolo has dedicated over two years as a volunteer at Silver Hill Hospital. A patient here in 2016, Robert enjoys coming back and sharing his story and perspective with current Silver Hill patients. As he says, “The favorite part of my role is that I can share experience from my perspective of what works and what doesn’t work in staying sober since I’ve been on both sides of the fence.”

Learn more about Robert Riolo >>

I started volunteering for Silver Hill in June 2022.

I chose to volunteer at Silver Hill because it was the first place I went to for Rehab in 2016.

I like to do almost anything from driving residents to “Early Bird” [an early AA meeting in New Canaan, to sharing my story. Recently, I started doing a big book meeting [AA meeting] at the Martin Center and visiting residents on Main 2 on Saturday evenings to share my story. I believe that’s my favorite because it keeps it fresh and reminds me of where I once was.

I think my favorite part of my role is that I can share experiences from my perspective of what works and what doesn’t work in staying sober since I’ve been on both sides of the fence.

I grew up in Stamford and never had any consequences due to my drinking or drugging over the years. Never identified as an alcoholic – even after the first couple of times of going to rehab. I still figured I could drink safely. We pretty much know where that led me every time.

I am a plumber by trade. I love the company I work for today. It allows me to be free with my sobriety, [and gives me flexibility to] when I need to go to a meeting. My boss understands. I have a beautiful eight-year-old daughter who lives with her mom. She asked me to leave after relapsing, but we have a great relationship co-parenting my daughter these days. Through my experiences of relapse over the years, it took me seeing my alcoholism affecting my grandmother to finally open my eyes. That was my god moment, and I’ve been sober since.

I love taking classes at my gym, Equinox. I enjoy cycling, strength, and Pilates. I also love to paddleboard a few mornings a week in the summer. I also love to travel and read. I am walking my second Camino route this Spring.

I am very active with my church, Noroton Presbyterian. I am currently serving as an Elder and oversee the nominating and communications committee. I love my church family.