Financial Support for Robert Iannuzzi's Family

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the untimely passing of Robert Iannuzzi. Robert, 59, died at home on December 28, 2023, after a nearly two-year battle with liver and kidney disease. Robert is survived by his wife, Leslie, 4 daughters, Jeanal, Nicole, Marissa, and Amber, and 14 grandchildren.

Robert was a thirteen-year member of IUOE Local 487, having worked on three pipelines during his time with the union. His wife, Leslie, is also a member of IUOE Local 487, having worked for 22 years as the office manager of the Delray Beach office. Robert loved being a member of IUOE Local 487, but his true passion was being a chef. Robert owned and operated Delectable Delights, a custom cake and dessert business since 1996. Unfortunately, due to Covid and his failing health, Robert had not worked since before 2020, leaving Leslie as the sole income earner.

Over the last two years, Robert was in and out of the hospitals more than a dozen times with multiple stays lasting two weeks or more. On December 5, 2023, Robert went to the emergency room in excruciating pain. After examination, it was determined he had a perforated duodenum which required emergency surgery. While recovering from his surgery, the doctors recommended that Robert consider palliative care, as all medical efforts had been exhausted regarding his liver and kidney diseases. The idea was to focus on Robert living a pain-free, quality life. Robert wanted to be home for Christmas, so on December 23, 2023, he went home under hospice care. After arriving home Robert’s health rapidly declined. Robert woke up Christmas morning, had a few bites of food for breakfast, spoke to his best friend Joe to wish him a Merry Christmas, went to sleep, and never woke up again.

As you can imagine, the financial cost of the many hospital stays, even with insurance, has been debilitating, leaving Leslie with $20,000 in outstanding medical bills. Over the last three years, Leslie has used up their savings and has worked as many as three jobs to continue to provide for the family. This, along with Robert’s many health challenges, has taken a toll on her, not only physically, but mentally too.

Many have reached out asking how to contribute and support the family during this difficult time. I established this GoFundMe to assist the family with this financial hardship. My hope is this will allow them to focus on grieving instead of the financial hardship the past few years have brought them.

In times like these, we are reminded of the strength we possess when we come together as a community. Your generosity, no matter how big or small, will directly support the family during this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Robert’s memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.