Chief Robert C. Forezzi Sr.

Albany- Chief Robert C. Forezzi, Sr. passed away peacefully at home Sunday, August 30, surrounded by his family. Bob is survived by his wife Daphne, his sons Robert (Lisa) and Nicholas, and his mother, Elizabeth R. (Foley) Forezzi. Bob is survived by grandsons Alec, Anthony and Nicholas; nephews Louis (Molly) and Joseph (Maria) Forezzi, Nate and Ted Buchanan, and John Pray; nieces Jessica Pray Whittemore (Nathaniel) and Alexandra Buchanan; and several great nieces and nephews. Survivors include in-laws, Gordon and Rachel Buchanan; and brothers and sisters-in-law Stuart and Mary Buchanan, and Rhonda and Thomas Pray. Bob is also survived by many beloved cousins and loyal friends. He was predeceased by his father, Louis J. Forezzi, Sr.; his brother Louis J. Forezzi, II; sister-in-law Paula Forezzi; and nephew Michael Forezzi. Bob was born in the South End of Albany and was raised on Franklin Street on “Foley Row.” Growing up across from the firehouse where his grandfather was a Lieutenant at Engine 5, Bob always had a passion for the fire service. Bob dedicated his life to serving the citizens of Albany through his career on the Albany Fire Department, working his way through the ranks and serving as Chief for the last seven years before his retirement in December of 2013. He held the distinction of being the first certified Paramedic Chief of the Department. During Bob’s tenure, his accomplishments were many: establishment of an EMT class at Albany High School, an AFD Explorer Post for Albany youth, a summer Cadet Program for young adults interested in the fire service; expanded fire prevention programs such as the K-5 fire prevention reading program in Albany schools, and a High Rise Community Fire Risk Reduction program, to name just a few. As Chief, Bob focused on increasing the health, education and safety of firefighters through the establishment of the AFD Wellness program, the Fire Medic Academy, and the Officers’ Development Program. As a visionary leader, Bob sought to provide firefighters with the most up to date equipment and tools, including the procurement of the City’s first Fire/Rescue Boat, to ensure the safety of personnel and citizenry. Bob’s greatest pride was in his sons and grandsons who learned life’s lessons from him, and who showed him every day the love and strength of family bonds. Bob instilled in his sons, Bob Jr. and Nick, the pride of public service and, as a result, both chose careers in the police and fire departments respectively. Bob was also very close to his nephew Louie (also a firefighter) and his family, and was known as “Uncle Bob” not only to them, but to many on the Albany Fire Department. Throughout his younger years, Bob was an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours fishing, camping, and hunting with his sons and participating in their sports activities. Bob enjoyed spending time with his three grandsons and cherished their unique characteristics – Alec’s patriotism and determination; Anthony’s curiosity and quick wit; and little Nicky’s innocence and energy. Bob was a devoted husband, son, father and grandfather who loved his family, had intense passion for his job, and dedicated his life to his community. Bob’s short journey with cancer was eased through the kindness and compassion of Dr. David Shaffer and the staff and nurses at NYOH. Special thanks go to the staff, nurses and Bob’s ‘team’ in the outpatient Interventional Radiology Unit at Albany Medical Center. Everyone Bob encountered in the unit treated him like a rock star every single week, and Bob’s family will always remember their caring and kindness. The Forezzi family would also like to thank the APPFA, the Albany Fire Department, the Albany Police Department, and the City of Albany as well as the many friends, neighbors and family members who offered support during this time. All are welcome to visit with Chief Forezzi’s family Thursday, September 3, 2015 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral Services with full fire department honors will be held Friday, September 4, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives, friends, dignitaries and all those in Fire Service are invited to attend the Chief’s funeral Mass. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont, NY.

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Chief Robert C. Forezzi Sr.

May 25, 1954 - August 30, 2015