Former Lieutenant Robert T. Lyons, who worked for Hunter’s Public Safety Department for 44 years, died October 18 in Brooklyn. He was 67.
Known for his great personal warmth and approachability, Lyons set a sterling example of a public safety officer who took to heart the ethos of serving and protecting the college community — an example that reverberates across Hunter’s Department of Public Safety today.
Over the course of a remarkable 44-year career at Hunter, Lyons steadily ascended the ranks from contract officer in 1978, to college assistant, to higher education officer, then assistant director, before retiring as deputy director in 2022.
An imposing figure of a man, Lyons had a boxer’s physique offset by a ready smile and reassuring, caring demeanor. Thousands of students, faculty members, and staff got to know and love him.
He was equally loved by his peers. Lyons served under five Public Safety directors, earning admiration for his wisdom and leadership among the department’s officers and staff. He also was revered across CUNY, having served for 20 years as an instructor in the university’s public safety academy.
He was held in like regard in his Brooklyn neighborhood, where he served as a deacon and substitute pastor in his church, The Church of the Open Door, and as a New York Police Department chaplain.
Lyons is survived by his wife, Annette, and a daughter, Courtney.
“Our hearts and minds are with all who knew Bob, especially his dear wife, Annette, their daughter, Courtney, and their entire family and community,” said Hunter President Nancy Cantor.
