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, uncle, 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 on September 11th, 2001. 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.
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 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 Giants 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.
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.
Bob was my JV football and baseball coach at Fox Lane HS in 1993 and beyond that he was a friend to me and my whole family. When I look back on playing football it’s the years playing for Bob that come to me first. Our emotional pregame hype sessions, the bus rides, the intensity he brought to all of us. To this day he is by far the best coach that I have ever had and his impact on us young boys is still talked about amongst my friends. When he was hired by the NYPD we were all happy for him, but we all knew that his time with us was going to be impacted. I remember us reminiscing and talking about him for so many years after he left his post at Fox Lane.
As a father now and a youth coach to many kids in my community I have always tried to mirror him in my coaching style. Leading with caring about the kids, showing them the love they need, but kicking their ass in gear when they need it. As you get older you tend to look back and realize how few people were part of shaping you in your life and whose voice truly stuck with you. Bob is part of the small group of people that I hold in very high regard that didn’t overlook me and genuinely cared. I truly hope he knew what he meant to all of us and how much we loved him.
He was a great man and I’m thankful he was part of my life during those years. I’m a better person for it.
I look forward to seeing him again in heaven and laughing about him kicking me off the baseball field and making me sit on the bus for the remainder of the game for throwing my glove in left field. I have never done that again coach!! And just 3 months ago while I was coaching, I yelled at a kid for the same thing and thought of you!
I was in undercover detective in narcotics not a plane clothes police officer two totally different things. It was a super dangerous job shootings every night, bloodshedding violence murders surreal Harlem, Washington Heights, New York City they told me my new partner was coming in. I was excited to meet my partner, the neighbor was mostly black and Hispanic so I figured it’s gonna be another. Black cop another Hispanic cop and here comes BOB walks into the office. It’s gotta be like 500 Detectives in their typing drugs, everywhere mounds, guns, everywhere, cash piled up to the ceiling chaos there was literally a war against drugs. It was chaos.. organize chaos and then like Moses parting the sea here walks in BOB he’s towering over everybody, the biggest tallest white man in the world. The guy I’m supposed to walk into apartments with alone and convince murderers drug dealers that we were just two drug dealers ourselves. The most important part of being undercover to blend in I can tell you many nights I spend with BOB Street he didn’t blend in… I thought I was dead. I was very worried and scared for my safety and his…BUT then the magic happened and wow wow if you don’t know, Bobby Fitzgibbons, that guy could almost do anything and smile at you and pat you on the back whisper in your ear, and he had you.. he would strike up conversations with total strangers next to you know he was jumping in taxis going to buildings disappearing and reappearing in the street, giving me the sign that it was a positive .. He wasn’t mean He wasn’t a jerk. He didn’t use his size to take advantage of anyone. He was a real good talker and fearless cause looking like him work up there took a lot of. Courage.. the homicide went from 2000 a year to about 400 a year as 1600 more blood Hispanic kids alive every year we were doing that job that’s priceless. I love you CRACKHEAD .BOB. … that was one of his most famous undercover names…
Bob had worked with me at the 43 Sqd for couple of years. He was the life of the party. Always smiles and willing to help you , even when not asked. I last reunited with him and other Detectives 5 yrs ago in Orlando and he was still lighting up the room with great memories and laughter! Bob was a true friend, father and family man to many! I will dearly miss you Bob, and my prayers are with you and your family. When my time comes to leave this world, I only pray you are at the gate to greet me, hopefully with one of your one liner jokes. Bob, you were a huge asset to this world and the people you greeted. God bless My brother, we know it was too soon to leave us, but you’re in God’s hands and forever blessed.
Until we meet again, may your spirit always be near!
I didn’t know him… but I co send my condolences to his family… so many brave young men are still dying from 9/11 illnesses.. and they are rough ones
My name is Robert. I first met Bobby in 1995, when I was working for the New York City Housing Police Department. After the NYPD merged with Transit and Housing, I was assigned to the 46th Precinct, where I met Robert Fitzgibbons.
We worked foot posts together, and it did not take long for me to see what a wonderful gentleman he was. Bobby was kind, genuine, and easy to talk to. We clicked right away. He would tell me about his family, how he grew up, and the people he loved. That is how our friendship began.
In 1998, we both applied to Narcotics as undercover officers. We worked together in different ways, but because of our backgrounds and the trust we had in each other, we understood what we needed to do out there. We always had each other’s back.
In April 2001, we were both transferred to the Detective Bureau. I remember being nervous because I did not know what to expect. Bobby gave me the confidence I needed. He told me, “Rob, we’re going to do good over there. Don’t worry—it’s like walking the beat, like being on foot post.” With Bobby there, I knew I was going to be okay.
Then September 11th happened. I will never forget that day. I was at home watching the news with my wife, but we decided to move forward as planned and take both of my daughters to school that morning. When we got there, one of the teachers said, “We’re open, but did you see what’s happening on television?” At that moment, I knew it was a real situation and did not know what our day would be like moving forward. The first person I called was Bobby. We were both in shock. Soon after, we got the calls to report to work. We knew this was something different.
We reported to the Detective Bureau and waited for instructions on what to do next. I remember Bobby and I driving down the FDR Drive toward the city. It felt strange and unreal. When we got there and saw the buildings had collapsed, I was shocked, scared, and at a loss for words. But we knew we had to help.
From the first day I met Bobby, he was never just a coworker to me. He was my friend. He always gave me good advice, and through good times and bad, we stayed connected. And of course, we were both Mets fans—loyal through every painful season.
Bobby was a good man, a great detective, and a true friend. I will always be grateful for the years we shared, the work we did together, and the confidence and friendship we shared.
Rest in peace, Bobby. Until we meet again, you will never be forgotten.
Bobby, we coached football together for one year at Fox Lane in 1994. , you just wanted to learn and you became a great coach. What I learned from you, the most, was how to relate to kids. We had a lot of laughs. You became a lifelong friend. I knew I could always give you a call and ask to talk about anything. Bobby, you were the best. I know your love for your Cheryl and the girls was special. I’m glad we spoke about a month ago. I sensed you were at peace. I’m going to miss you terribly my friend. May God bless you. I’ll see you on the other side. Can’t wait to see that smile again. My mother loved you give her a hug and kiss for me.
I’ll miss you forever and a day Dad.