Robert E. Fitzgibbons Jr
01/02/1957 – 09/26/2026
Robert E. Fitzgibbons Jr., of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, coach, and retired NYPD Second Grade Detective, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on September 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma related to his service following the September 11 attacks. He was 69 years old.
Robert was born on January 2, 1957, on Staten Island, New York, to Joan (Backes) Fitzgibbons and Robert Fitzgibbons, both of whom predeceased him. The oldest of nine children, Robert grew up surrounded by a large family. He was also predeceased by his sister, Barbara Favale, and his brother-in-law, Norman Gilby.
Robert leaves behind his siblings Patricia Meehan and her husband, Gary; Elizabeth Gilby; Michael Fitzgibbons; Scott Fitzgibbons and his wife, Kelli; Jacqueline Eckert and her husband, Karl; John Fitzgibbons and his wife, Emilie; and Timothy Fitzgibbons and his wife, Claudine. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Anthony Favale; his brother-in-law Rich Alexander and his wife, Diane; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Growing up as the oldest of nine helped shape the loyalty, strength, humor, and deep devotion to family that would define Robert throughout his life. From a young age, he was also a gifted athlete and fierce competitor. He played basketball at Tottenville High School and carried his love of sports throughout his life. He was a lifelong New York Jets fan and, perhaps more accurately, a tortured Mets fan, faithfully sticking with his teams through every season, no matter how much they tested him.
Robert dedicated his professional life to serving and protecting others as a member of the New York City Police Department, ultimately attaining the rank of Second Grade Detective. His commitment to service extended far beyond his career. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Robert answered the call to serve his city and community during one of its darkest moments. That service remained an important part of his story and, ultimately, of the illness he faced many years later.
Robert was truly larger than life. He had a presence that filled a room and a heart that was even bigger. His contributions to his community were countless, and he gave his time, energy, guidance, and friendship freely to those around him. In the Mount Kisco community, his impact will never be forgotten.
His love of athletics became another way for him to give back. Robert coached football and basketball at Fox Lane High School, where he influenced the lives of young athletes far beyond wins and losses. To the players he coached and the families who knew him, he was a mentor, supporter, teacher, and friend. The lessons he shared and the relationships he built became part of a legacy that will continue long after his passing.
Above everything else, Robert’s greatest pride was his family.
He shared 50 years of life and love with his devoted wife, Cheryl Fitzgibbons. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories that became the center of Robert’s world.
He was a loving father to his daughters, Hannah Riccobono and her husband, Zachary, and Erin Fitzgibbons and her husband, Bryan Mallow. Perhaps one of his most treasured roles of all was being “Pop Pop” to his six beloved grandchildren: Logan, Rylan, Luca, Hayden, Olivia, and Matteo. They brought immeasurable joy to his life, and the love their Pop Pop had for them will remain with them always.
Robert’s life cannot simply be measured in years. It can be measured in the family he built, the people he protected, the athletes he coached, the friendships he formed, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives that are different because he was part of them.
He was a husband, a dad, a Pop Pop, a brother, a detective, a coach, an athlete, an uncle, and a friend. He loved deeply, lived fully, served selflessly, and left an impact wherever he went.
His absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. His family will carry his stories, his lessons, his laughter, his strength, and his love with them for the rest of their lives.
We will miss him for the rest of our lives, and we will love him for even longer. And in true Robert fashion, after a life spent making sure everyone knew when he entered a room, he somehow managed to leave us with the ultimate Irish exit