Robert A. Rizzotto

Robert was born on April 30, 1971, in the Bronx, NY before moving to Corona, where he spent much of his early life. From a young age, he knew he wanted to serve as a New York City police officer. During his distinguished 13-year career, he earned multiple Officer of the Month awards and worked at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001, attacks. He was dedicated to the NYPD’s Auto Larceny Unit before relocating to Palm Beach County, Florida, where he became Commander of the South Palm Beach Police Department. If you were a bad guy, Rob was going to catch you! Robert also served as a volunteer firefighter in Oceanside, Long Island.

While living in Oceanside, Robert found another passion—cooking. He worked in various restaurants, introducing new recipes to the community. As his brother Michael would say, “Cooking is in our DNA!” He was devoted to keeping family traditions alive, especially during the holidays. Every Christmas Eve, the table was set with the feast of the seven fishes, and every New Year’s Day, a large pot of egg drop soup simmered on the stove—a cherished recipe passed down from his mother and Nana. He was known for his love of the New York Yankees, NASCAR, football, fast cars and country music, among many other things.

Robert was the kind of neighbor everyone wished they had. Whether it was mowing a lawn, painting a wall, troubleshooting an electrical issue or fixing a septic tank, he was always the first to lend a hand—often before you even had to ask. His usual form of payment? A cold Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Robert was a beloved brother to Michael and Vivian, a devoted uncle to Anthony and Thomas, a cherished nephew of Aniceto and Maureen Serrone, a loving godfather, and a cousin to many. He was also a dedicated fur-dad to his American Staffordshire Terrier, Gunny—affectionately known as Gun Gun. He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Dolores.

Robert will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Grace R.C Church, 430 Avenue W, Brooklyn, NY 11223. Cremation to follow on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at The Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232. Interment of Rob's ashes to follow at a later date in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Flushing, NY alongside his mother and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to NYCPBA Widow and Children's Fund, https://www.nycpba.org/community/widows-and-childrens-fund/.