Robert Leuci, known as “Bob” or “Dad,” died October 12 at home in North Kingstown, R.I., at the age of 75. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., February 28, 1940, to Lucy and James Leuci.

He then moved to Ozone Park, Queens, where he grew up a popular and beloved neighborhood kid, as well as an avid Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Mets fan.

Mr Leuci is survived by family who loved him, and will honor and cherish his memory forever: his wife Kathy of Saunderstown, R.I.; his son Anthony Leuci, and wife Myra, of Newtown; daughter Santina of Scarsdale, N.Y.; his grandchildren James, Thomas, Steven, Luca, and Gia; his sister Janie; his former wife Gina of Bethel; and so many other loving family members and friends.

A hero to so many, Mr Leuci devoted his career as an elite New York Police Department narcotics detective to fighting crime and corruption, during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s, in New York City. He was honored for his service through the novel and movie Prince of the City, and he will be remembered as a key force in driving corruption from the NYPD and the NYC legal system.

Mr Leuci became a nationally renowned expert on morality, ethics, and police department corruption, and was invited to lecture at many police departments and universities across the country, as well as the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. 

A man of diverse and creative talents, he continued to serve the community after retiring from the police force by educating young people as an English and political science professor at the University of Rhode Island, where he was loved and befriended by so many of the students he inspired. He enhanced the literary world through his many true crime novels and short stories that realized global success, his memoir and play, and a TV episode he wrote for 100 Centre Street.

A celebration of Mr Leuci’s life will take place at an upcoming private ceremony at his home, for family and friends.