Robert “Bob” Gizzo, 73, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953, he graduated from Barringer High School in 1970, where he played on the school’s baseball team. In 1995, the 1970 Barringer team was inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of their accomplishments. He continued his love of the game at Montclair State College, where he played second base, reflecting the determination and fighting spirit that those who knew him would come to recognize throughout his life.

Bob spent the majority of his professional career in the insurance business. For a brief time, he made a career pivot to what he proudly called a “dream job” with the Florida Lottery in Boca Raton, Florida, before ultimately returning to New Jersey to be closer to family. He continued his career in insurance sales with Prudential and later supported the company’s Fraud Investigation Division before retiring from the insurance industry.

Those who knew Bob best knew him as “Giz.” He was always one to pick up the phone and check in, asking not only how you were doing but also how everyone in your family was.

It was his way of creating personal connections. Remembering even the smallest details about family, friends, colleagues, and clients was his superpower.

You might hear him humming a tune, talking about the Yankees, or reminiscing about family vacations in Wildwood Crest. You might see him reaching into his pocket for the accordion photo sleeve he carried, filled with pictures of his daughters from birth through grade school, ready to show anyone who would look.

A man fiercely loyal to his family, he shared 43 years of marriage with his wife, Christine, and took immense pride in his children Erica (née Gizzo) Grant, and Danielle Gizzo Duca and her husband Michael Duca. The dear brother of Lisa (née Gizzo) Coates and her husband Robert Coates, and brother-in-law of Sandy (née Friedella) Guarino, he is also survived by his four nephews and their wives, five grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, and many incredible friends.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Michael and Lucy Gizzo; his son-in-law Daniel Grant; and his brother-in-law, Michael Guarino.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, humor, determination, and the way he made people feel known and cared for.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:15 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 312 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

A private inurnment will follow.