Obituary

Former Lynbrook Fire Chief Robert Citkovic dead at 74

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Former Lynbrook Fire Chief Robert (Bob) Anthony Citkovic of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., died peacefully on Nov. 5 at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville after a brief illness. He was 74.

Citkovic was dedicated to serving both his country and community, and took great pride in giving his time and expertise wherever and whenever it was needed. Born June 3, 1943, to his late parents Joseph Citkovic and Vivian (Carbone) Citkovic in Brooklyn, Bob graduated from Lynbrook High School in 1961. Shortly thereafter, he proudly became a member of the U.S. Army, serving the majority of his term in Vietnam.

Returning to Lynbrook, after an honorable discharge from the military, Citkovic was recognized for his “electronic genius” by IBM, where he ultimately spent the next 30 years impressing the company’s clients as a “customer engineer” and helping to further IBM’s position in the technology sector. During that time, he was also a courageous volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Lynbrook Rescue Squad. He served as chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department from 1985 to 1986.

In 2003, Citkovic retired and, looking for the good life of sunny days filled with golf and relaxation, he and his wife, Jean (Hofmann) Citkovic, moved to Tennessee. But lazy days were not exactly in store for Citkovic. As was his penchant, he quickly became involved in the community, and soon found himself the chief of the Fairfield Glade Volunteer Fire Department, and got involved in many other activities and organizations.

In addition to his love of golf, Citkovic was an avid football fan, an astronomy aficionado and happily checked off his bucket list of visiting all seven continents and 50 states.

In addition to Jean, Citkovic is survived by his son, Robert (Amanda); daughter Carol Best (Dan); grandchildren, Darcy, Penelope and Alyssa; brother, James (Gaye); and sister, Margaret.

A funeral Mass with full military honors was held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fairfield Glade on Nov. 10. His interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Citkovic’s honor be made to the Lynbrook Volunteer Fire Department Engine Company #1, Lynbrook, N.Y., or the Fairfield Glade Volunteer Fire Department.