Robert Anthony Provenzano

Robert Anthony John Provenzano, 85, of Woodbridge, VA, passed away on October 9, 2020, in the City of Alexandria, VA, surrounded by his family. "Bob," as he was affectionately known, was born in Yonkers, NY, and raised in the Bronx. He was the second son of Joseph D. and Antonina "Annette" (née Alotta) Provenzano, Sr. Bob attended Saint Ann School in the Bronx and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York. As a boy, Bob had a strong work ethic. He was a shoeshine boy, and his first job "on the books" as a teenager was with Tucker Motor Cars, filling transmission fluid and polishing spark plugs. After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve for one year and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his eight years in the Marine Corps, he was a Machine Gunner and Military Policeman (MP). A Korean War Veteran, Bob was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After proudly serving his country, Bob worked in construction as a crane operator, helping build New York City landmarks such as Shea Stadium and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. From 1966 to 1985, he faithfully and honorably served the City of New York as a Transit Policeman for almost 20 years during what was arguably one of the most dangerous times in the City's history. Although he would downplay it (because he was "just doing his job"), Bob was a highly-decorated public servant. Among his awards while a Transit Policeman were: the Exceptional Duty Award; the Distinguished Service Award; the Honorable Mention Award; the Meritorious Police Duty Award; and Policeman of the Year for 1979. (He earned these distinctions several times over, each, and the list is in no way complete.) He was also a member of the Honor Legion of the New York City Transit Police Department. After retiring from service, he relocated to South Florida in 1988. He worked in several other jobs during his retirement years, such as health insurance, code enforcement, and armed security. He and his wife, Jane, moved to Northern Virginia in the autumn of 2019 to live closer to their youngest daughter and her family. Even though Bob suffered numerous personal losses throughout his life, he pressed on and still loved with his whole heart. He was goofy, sentimental, and loved a good laugh. He was tough but not totally unchangeable. He was always so proud of the strong daughters and hard-working son he raised, and, in his later years, relished every moment with his grandchildren. He took pride in fixing things himself and providing for his family. Nature was where he best found God; some of his favorite spots included Raquette Lake, Tibbets Brook Park, Long Island Sound, South Oyster Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Florida Everglades. He loved the sunshine and the smell of the salty ocean air. He was an avid fisherman, a faithful Yankees fan, and enjoyed old movies. If you could not find him puttering in the yard or the garage, he was either helping a neighbor, reading a book, or walking the dog. By his own example, Bob taught those he loved some invaluable life lessons: always to do your best; not to be afraid to get your hands dirty; always to be curious and see things from different perspectives; that honesty is, undoubtedly, the best policy; to live life with purpose; that your word is your bond; to be faithful to your friends; to respect nature; to adjust your sails to the wind; but most of all, that family is the most important thing. He was a member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the Patrolman's Benevolent Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a lifetime pass holder of the National Park Service. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Joseph D. Provenzano, Sr. (1976); his mother, Antonina "Annette" Alotta (1992); his brother, Joseph D. Provenzano, Jr. (1983); and his daughter, Erica Camille Provenzano (1985). Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jane (née Osborne); his children, Mark, Christine, and Janine (James); his grandchildren, Madeline, Hadley, Luke, Justin, and Julia; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family held a private viewing on October 12, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert A. Provenzano's name are encouraged to one of his favorite causes: military veterans, Parkinson's disease research, children's cancer research, nature/ocean conservation, or to a local animal rescue. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial service and burial will be held at a date to be determined later. To express condolences, please visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/ Bob's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to: Home Instead Senior Care (especially Sarah, Deb, Gwen, Rachel, Denise, Susan, Adelina, and Shonette) and National Home Healthcare (especially Sheila, Isora, and Reshma) for the loving care and comfort they gave to Bob over the past year during his unfortunate decline.