Robert Joseph Moskowitz

Obituary

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert Joseph Moskowitz (Mosci) of Staten Island, NY. His presence was astoundingly magnetic, warm and silly both on the stage and in his private life. Robert, known to friends and family as Bob or Rob, performed with the stage name, Robert Mosci, lived a fulfilling life as professional jazz pianist & singer, producer, sailor, reader, and travel enthusiast.
He was the devoted son of Adele Moskowitz and the late Milton Moskowitz (d. 1986) and loving brother of Susan Volchok. Growing up in Flushing, Queens, in a family of musicians, he mastered an eclectic array of instruments and musical styles. He graduated Francis Lewis High School and honed his musical skills at Cornell University for classical bassoon, and then Boston's Berklee College of Music where he played piano, blues harp, guitar and saxophone.
Robert was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger and producer. He showcased these diverse talents on his 7 album releases, the most recent being "Reflected Back," a collection of songs written by Grammy award winning songwriter Hugh Prestwood. Robert even had a longstanding friendship with Prestwood, who admired Robert's musicianship. He held extended residencies at some of New York City's most elegant venues, including the Top Of The Tower at the Beekman Tower Hotel, the Water Club, and most recently, the historic Bemelman's Bar at The Carlyle Hotel, where he was a featured solo and trio performer.
Known for his sensitive vocal and piano interpretations of pop standards and original songs, he attracted a large and loyal following of listeners throughout his career of over 45 years. Robert's stage presence was soulful yet mellow, and incredibly charming. When he "could get away with it," he occasionally blended his musical talent, wit and signature playfulness, as he seamlessly included wordplay and comedic rhythmic changes into his performances, which earned him big laughs from his fellow musicians and the audience. Robert’s viral performances at Bemelman’s include Multiple videos on social media of Robert conversing with regular, Sir Paul McCartney, who has expressed appreciation for his music on multiple occasions.. This was a thrill for him, as an avid, lifelong Beatles fan who introduced his kids to the band at a young age. Robert also delivered an impromptu trio performance of the song “Brandy” by Through the Looking Glass with actor Bill Murray the song’s writer, Elliot Lurie, which was covered by the New York Post. Robert has also been featured in several glowing write-ups from the The Boston Globe, and The New York Times. 
Away from the stage and studio, Robert was a dedicated husband of 39 years to Sarah Yuster, an adoring father to their children, Ian and Nora and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Max and Finnian. He also shared a special and loving bond with his mother, Adele Moskowitz, his sister, Susan Volchok, his niece, Rosanna Volchok, and his cousin, David Moskowitz.
Robert's optimism and resourcefulness were unmatched. After facing a layoff in 2012 due to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, he spent his time fulfilling a lifelong dream of learning to sail. He took sailing lessons from TASCA, a volunteer-run organization in Flushing, Queens and earned his American Sailing Association certification. He then acquired an old sailboat for $500 which he restored himself using YouTube videos and old manuals. Soon, he became a member of the Richmond County Yacht club where he spent many joyful summers sailing with family and friends.
Robert found his greatest joy in being present with others. Whether he was catching up with friends, chatting at work, or on one of his many adventurous trips to Greece with his wife Sarah, he reveled in other's delight, enjoyment and accomplishments. His greatest interest and affection was for the people integral to his life — their backstories, families and personal travails.

Photo gallery

Videos

Memory wall

February 15, 2026

I just saw that my old friend Rob passed away. Rob and I were close friends through junior high school and high school, (along with Artie Fagin), as well as spending time at Camp Hadar in Connecticut. He was influential in turning me on to great blues bands like John Mayall’s Blues Breakers, Savoy Brown, and TenYears After. We reconnected a couple of times over the last 10 years for dinners in Manhattan. I will miss him greatly, and hope he is at peace.

Mitchell Freund

February 15, 2026

Dear Sarah Ian and Nora
Such a shock to hear about Rob.
We went back a ways. Queens, Hebrew School, Francis Lewis, concerts at Central Park and MSG, etc.
We would occasionally bump into each other, he came to my home when we first moved to Montclair, came to your home in S.I. and he took me to Snug Harbor. He was probably the most profound influence on me when it came to music of the 60’s which I still listen to!
Wishing you much strength and comfort during this difficult time
Arthur Fagin

Arthur Fagin

January 29, 2026

Robert was a lovely talented man who was loved by so many. He was a beautiful soul who touched so many. He will be so missed but his memory will live on.

Steve Ehrlich

January 24, 2026

An honorable and kind and funny and sweet man married to my oldest friend in the world. Through his music and charm he brought joy and happiness to people with his lovely presence. I am grateful that I knew him for 40 years.

Bettina Moss

January 23, 2026

Bob, I will miss you forever. We were yacht club friends. We always had lots to talk about and he always asked if I was up to no good lol. For years I have listened to his holiday album all year round. He gave it to me during one of his amazing performances and sing alongs at the club. It brings me comfort and joy and makes me cry. I can’t believe you’re gone, I truly adored you. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. Your loss is profound. I miss you.

Michelle Larson

January 23, 2026

Bob generously drove out to our house for our wedding reception in Hampton Bays. It was the day after hurricane Gloria and there was no electricity, road lights and so on. He set his piano up to a generator and played through the evening. What a wonderful friend - sorely missed and in our hearts forever.

Jeanne Bitterman & Frank Grabinski

January 22, 2026

Robert will live forever with us here in Ardara, Ireland. A place i am happy to say he visited. Marie There and I had the pleasure to meet him for the first time at the Water Club in December 2015 when we went to visit our son who also worked there. He was very good to our son and helped him in any way he could. Roberts music was the soundtrack to our Covid-19 lockdown. We painted the outside of our house to his music. His Christmas album comes out every December. Our visits to New York will never be the same again. We always made a point of meeting up.

Donal Haughey

January 22, 2026

I am so sad to learn of Rob's passing. I'd worked with him at our studio many times, doing the mastering work on many of his songs, and full length albums. He was such a kind soul and we always enjoyed hanging out and had laughs and good times. I remember when he'd come, he'd often bring me a loaf of this amazing bread with olives in it. he said it came from a Staten Island bakery, if I remember right. it was so delicious! and many times, he invited me and my family out to the Water Club and enjoy the Sunday brunch and hear him play piano. I hadn't spoken to Rob in a few years but we'd keep in touch on Facebook. I will always miss him :(

Steve Fallone

Family tree

‹

›

‹

›

‹

›

Robert Moskowitz

Donate