Robert Francis Szakacs

Robert (Bob) Szakacs of Bradenton, Florida passed away on Wednesday, June 3rd at the age of 73. He was born on January 1st, 1953, in Passaic County, New Jersey and grew up in Washington Township, New Jersey, with his parents and two siblings. He and his wife, Michelle, raised their four children, first in Glen Rock, New Jersey, then in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Robert spent his career serving the community, beginning with service as a volunteer firefighter in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. He graduated from the Police Academy in 1979 and worked as a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey until his retirement in April of 2002. The majority of his career was spent protecting the George Washington bridge. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Robert helped to coordinate buses of commuters safely to New Jersey. In addition, he joined his brothers in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

He enjoyed watching his beloved New York Football Giants and New York Yankees, working on cars, and spending time with his two dogs.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Michelle Szakacs; parents, Frank and Alice Szakacs; and his nephew Eric Wolff.

He is survived by his four children; Dana Szakacs (Kim), Alison Szakacs (Kyle), Nicole Szakacs, Jeffery Szakacs, grandchildren; Jalen and Joshua Douglass and Julianna Busa, siblings; Linda Agnello (John) and Alan Szakacs; and his niece Christine Wolff.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Robert’s honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/donate/, which honors the sacrifices of first responders and supports their families.