STATEN ISLAND N.Y. -- It was the love for his wife that helped Robert Callas, 35, of Westerleigh overcome his lengthy battle with the coronavirus.

Callas admitted himself into Staten Island University North Campus in Ocean Breeze after suffering from flu-like symptoms throughout March.

Little did he know that itd be the last thing he remembered for over 40 days.

His wife Melissa Callas, patient care assistant or PCA at SIUH North was luckily able to keep her eye on him for the duration of his treatment.

However, she explains that leaving her husband at the hospital to go home to an empty house was one of the hardest parts.

I was a wreck by the time Id get home. Ive spent days crying wondering why this happened, said Melissa.

Robert who was intubated twice, put on a ventilator and also received many other forms of treatment before waking up from his heavily sedated state was discharged from SIUH after 47 days and transported to Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Dongan Hills where he spent another 41 days.

I wanted to come home to Melissa, thats all I cared about and I feel like it made me fight harder, said Robert.

The close-knit family was unfortunately struck by another tragedy after Robert returned home.

Roberts father, Michael Callas died due to a long-term heart condition in early July.

While Robert was not able to have a proper goodbye he found comfort in knowing that Melissa and his mother were able to be by his side during his final moments.

I feel like he waited for me to come home and then he knew it was time, so he just went to sleep and never woke up, said Robert.

Though times have been tough, the couple has a hopeful outlook on the future.

Robert hopes to be able to return to his job at Amtrack and Melisa continues to report to work at SIUH daily.

Watch the video above to learn more about their touching story.

Read more:

A Staten Island mans 88 day battle with COVID-19 - SILive.com