HUDSON—On February 3, 2025, the world sadly bid farewell to Robert Fonck of Hudson at the age of 84. Born May 5, 1940, he grew up in Great Neck, Long Island and graduated from Bayside High School.
He was a resident of the FASNY Firefighter’s Home, where he lived since 2013. While there, he lived a full life. He was known by all the residents and staff, often welcoming the new residents and taking them “under his wing.”
He attended many conferences and events representing the Firefighters Home, where he was their “Mayor.”
He also made numerous friends in the community. He played as much golf as he could with Bill Martin and Roger Dooley. He loved Friday Night Music in the Park concerts with Joe and Pam Torchia. He became a member of the Abitabile Family enjoying their gatherings and Italian holiday dinners. He looked forward to volunteering at Antonio’s Fried Dough at the Chatham Fair each year.
He joined the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy #659, served as lodge trustee, and was an active member of the Golf Committee. The week before his death he was notified that he was being awarded an honorary lifetime membership of the lodge—one of only four members to achieve that honor.
He previously resided in Douglaston, where he served as a volunteer fireman in the Lakeville Manhasset Fire Department Company #4 from 1968 to 1985. It was during this time at the fire department that he met the love of his life, Jane Abarno, and they were together for about 50 years.
He was predeceased by: his wife; his parents, Fred and Josephine, and his brother, Fred. He is survived by: his sister Jean (95) of Laguna Hills, CA, and many nieces and nephews who remember “Uncle Bob” fondly. He was the cornerstone of decades of holiday gatherings and he leaves everyone full of great memories.
He was extremely proud of his fire department service, his season tickets for the NY Mets, golf and football. His real athletic talent was softball, having played for the Terrace Club and Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1966. He had a lifetime batting average of .486, was a five time All Star and was voted into the Little Neck Hall of Fame in 1978.
His family and friends enjoyed the stories he shared about these and many other subjects; they will stay with them for their lifetimes. He will be missed by the Long Island and Hudson communities.
Services were held at the FASNY Firefighter’s Home Chapel, February 8, 2025. Arrangements were with the Bates and Anderson Funeral Home, Hudson.
