Zisel, Robert L., 86, of Melville, passed away on February 24th, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen M. Loving father of Robert K. (Dina), Craig A., and John F. (Nick). Adoring grandfather of Juliana and Xander. Dear brother of Kenneth (the late Niki), Delores Paladino (Joseph), and the late Arlene Billingham.

Robert Lee Zisel was born in Astoria, Queens NY on October 30, 1939, to Marie & Herman Zisel. He joined his older sister Arlene as the second born child and the first-born boy to his parents. Robert was followed by his younger sister Delores and younger brother Kenneth. In his early days, Robert loved spending time at Astoria Pool, the Olympic size pool across the street from the family home shared with his grandparents, Rupert and Julia Zisel. Here he worked as a lifeguard and enjoyed hours of diving and sunning with his siblings.

Robert went by many nicknames: Rob, Roberto, Zeke, but was mostly known as Bob by his family and friends.

Robert worked several jobs following graduation from Aviation High School in Long Island City: pickup & delivery for fur cold storage, quality control at Steinway Grand Pianos, and sorting/loading at United Parcel Service. He eventually began a position in the insurance industry as a Salesman, after being introduced to and mentored by his mother-in-law Gladys’ business partner, Tom Kilhenny, a State Farm Insurance franchisee. Robert would continue at State Farm, and then Allstate Insurance, where he remained for the rest of his career. Robert earned dozens of sales awards and was revered by his colleagues and clients as thoughtful and dedicated.

Robert would marry Kathleen M. Roth on December 7, 1968, following a matchmaking connection orchestrated by his brother, Kenneth and Kenneth’s girlfriend and later wife, Niki D’Arcy. Niki was also Kathy’s great friend and double dates were a regular occurrence. Robert loved Kathleen so much and took great measures to keep their union strong over their 56 years of marriage. Robert was broken hearted after Kathleen’s passing on December 8, 2024.

Robert and Kathleen moved to Flushing, Queens in 1969, where they welcomed Robert Keith, and Craig Andrew, just fifteen months apart in 1969 & 1971. In 1973, the Zisel Family moved to Linford Lane in Melville, which became the family’s beloved home for over 50 years. In 1978, they welcomed their youngest son, John Fitzgerald.

Robert was a dedicated father who enjoyed helping people, loved his wife and children, provided for his family, and created a safe space for their expression with his empathy. He took pride in all that his children accomplished and could often be heard boasting about their achievements.

Robert loved humor and to make people laugh. So much so that he would often miss a punchline, as he was laughing so hard while setting up his favorite jokes. Robert enjoyed bike and motorcycle riding, skiing, reading true crime stories, fishing, watching sports and mystery movies, as well as the camaraderie of his weekly poker games.

Robert was a long-standing member of Knights of Columbus in Greenlawn, NY, along with his brother Kenneth, and great friend, Kenneth McCormack. As a member for over thirty years, he managed multiple social functions, was a member of the softball team and played cards every Wednesday in the most recent years with a select few.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2pm to 4pm & 7pm to 9pm, at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Funeral Mass to be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:30am, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 175 Wolf Hill Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Interment at St. Charles R.C. Cemetery, Farmingdale at a later date.

In memory of Robert, flowers and memorial donations are welcomed and may be made in Robert’s name to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org ; Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org ; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org.