Robert Edward 'Moose' Rioux ... retired city firefighter

ROCHESTER - Robert Edward "Moose" Rioux, a lifelong resident of Rochester, died peacefully on Jan.28, 2022, after a brief period of illness.

He was born on Nov 18, 1935.

No one who met Moose forgot his infectious laugh and gift for storytelling. He was a member of the Rochester Fire Department, retiring in 1980 as Deputy Chief, and former owner of Pop's Clam Shell in Alton Bay. He was an avid fisherman and hunter with a love for football and baseball.

Moose was a Korean War veteran serving in the Conflict followed by service in the Air Force as President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. While in the Air Force, he played football on the Bolling Air Force Base football squad. Moose lived an extremely full life with many accomplishments. In 1958 he married the love of his life, Kathleen "Kay" Rioux, and they raised their three children in Rochester. Moose played football professionally for one season with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, as well as the Tri City Chargers for a brief period. He was active in retirement as Umpire in Chief at Roger Allen Baseball Park for many years and was thrilled to travel to Cooperstown, NY each year to umpire. Moose was an inductee of the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He was an instructor for the NHFG Let's Go Fishing Program and loved teaching children how to ice fish.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathleen "Kay" Rioux. Son, Guy Rioux (wife Sonja), Daughter, Sheila Benton (husband Jon) and son Roger Rioux. Eight grandchildren, Sean Benton, Sarah Benton, Colin Rioux, Elizabeth Rioux, Liam Benton, Gabbie Rioux, James Rioux, and Grace Rioux. One great granddaughter Ella Benton.