Robert V. Fulco, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and firefighter, passed away on September 23, 2023, becoming the FDNY’s 343rd member lost to a 9/11-related illness.

Born in Brooklyn on August 12, 1950, he was the second of three sons to Vincent and Theresa Fulco. A talented athlete, Robert excelled in hockey and baseball, earning a spot on the city’s all-star baseball team while attending Bishop Ford High School. Though offered a scholarship to play baseball at Iona University, he chose to stay close to home, served in the Army National Guard, married his lifelong love Linda, and joined the FDNY in 1977.

Robert made Engine 250 his second home, serving for 25 years with distinction as the firehouse chef, chauffeur, and organizer of its annual picnics and Christmas parties with his two daughters in tow. Living by the mantra “good food and good company,” he prepared legendary day-of-the-week themed meals, such as fresh fish Fridays, paired with Italian bread, fresh tomatoes from the firehouse backyard garden, pastries, and espresso. Summer picnics included a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while Christmas parties boasted an overwhelming selection of various trays.

Throughout his career, he also worked alongside his fellow firefighters remodeling houses for extra income. As a senior firefighter, he became a treasured mentor, always showing incoming members around the kitchen and how to meticulously maintain every part of the firehouse, among his plethora of life skills. By his retirement in 2002, he had become affectionately known as “Mr. 250” for his unique and admired contributions.

Beyond the firehouse, Robert was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, where he volunteered tirelessly for 30 years since 1993, reaching the rank of Fourth Degree Knight and Honorary Life Member. He used his hands and heart to give back, fundraising for causes like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and remodeling the organization’s building himself.

In his retirement, Robert embraced his passions—season tickets with the New York Rangers, weekend road trips, and preparing holiday feasts. He most joyfully welcomed his two grandsons into the world, sharing pictures with everyone he knew.

Although he passed two weeks shy of his 50th wedding anniversary, his legacy continues as he saw his grandson practice on the ball field in his final days. While our hearts hurt to see his smile again, his spirit endures with his values, inspired traditions, and generosity sewn into our lives. Within the walls of Engine 250, his photos now watch over those who follow in his footsteps.