Robert L. Sisco passed away peacefully on January 19, 2004.  Robert led a life full of zest and love for people, with an unusually large number of close friends and significant experiences.  He was born in Mt. Vernon, NY on March 12, 1952, son of Frank Sr. and Eleanor Sisco, where he lived for many years in a three-family house with parents and brother, grandparents and uncle Joseph and aunt Sarah Sisco, now deceased, and surviving cousins, Joseph Sisco and Debra Ciasco.

Robert was hearing-impaired from as early as two years old and yet excelled in public schools, with extra help provided by deaf organizations such as the New York League for Hard of Hearing in Manhattan where he, for years, attended special tutoring several times per week, brought there by his parents.  From a very young age, he showed a determination to succeed and experience a full life.  He attended Columbus Elementary School in Mt. Vernon and graduated from Isaac E. Young and New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, NY where he lived with his parents.  He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and its technical institute for the deaf, and also attended Pace University.  Robert had a dual major of packaging science and chemical technology and applied his skills in large corporations, including General Foods and Best Foods.  He excelled at communicating his ideas and developing new processes in companies despite the challenges of being hearing-impaired.

Robert significantly helped people who were deaf or disabled via various positions doing interpreting, signing, tutoring, and working as an advocate in several nonprofit organizations.  Whenever help was needed, Robert extended his hand and his heart.  He was very much loved and will be greatly missed.

Robert's zest for life was pervasive, from the exuberant celebration of each holiday and event to his frequent travels, including trips to Italy, France and England.  Everything Robert did was done well and with lots of energy, including living in Manhattan and having hobbies such as genealogy, the arts, collecting antiques, drawing and writing, each made possible by an extraordinary intellect and passion for living.

He is survived by his parents, Frank and Eleanor, his brother, Frank and Frank's wife, Lorrie and daughter Kelly, and many uncles, aunts and cousins, and a multitude of friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert Sisco will be held at Church of the Holy Family, 83 Clove Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 at 10am on Friday, January 23, 2004.  Visiting hours are on Wednesday and Thursday at 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9pm at Yannantuono Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home, 584 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY (914.699.4010).