Anthony Guy Cuzzupe

"Tony" Guy Cuzzupe, age 48, of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away unexpectedly on April 17th, 2026, at his home. Tony was born on August 24, 1977, in Robbinsdale, MN to his loving parents Larry and Joyce Cuzzupe. Tony was larger than life. His sense of humor and smile would light up a room. His kindness could be felt through his amazing hugs or just sitting by his side. Tony LOVED his motorcycle, his garage, his dogs, music, video games, LIFE. There is no sense in his loss, just a reminder to love each other. Tony was raised in Brooklyn Center with his two older sisters, Angela and Amy, with whom he learned to fight, love, and shared a single bathroom with. Most importantly, he credits them for teaching him how to properly treat women. He graduated from Brooklyn Center High School in 1995. He loved playing hockey and had glorious long hair. Tony had an infatuation with cars since childhood. He learned from his Grandpa Mel, helped the neighbor, and had a classic Impala. After high school, Tony worked as a mechanic at Tires plus and was fondly known as "Pipes". After the tragedy of 9/11, Tony felt a calling to the Fire service. Living in Columbia Heights, Tony Began with the Columbia Heights Fire department as a reserve fire fighter on 6/17/2002, Paid on call division 7/1/2003, and was hired as a full-time fire fighter on 9/13/2005 (being offered the position the day he returned from his honeymoon.) Tony was promoted to Fire Captain on 10/27/2016 and was very proud to take charge of the Honor Guard. Tony first met the love of his life, Niki, in 1994. They grew a friendship over the years until Tony professed his love at Buffalo Wild Wings (stud) and convinced her that it was worth risking their friendship to try dating. And it worked! Tony proposed to Niki on his birthday in 2004 on a Bluffs in Red Wing, a place where he would frequently ride his motorcycle. They were married on August 13, 2005, at the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens and have shared over 20 years of unconditional love and friendship. Niki and Tony were blessed with two amazing Children, Jalen and Nyla. Tony dedicated his life to being the best father possible. He gave the best hugs, was a patient teacher, always took time to be present, honest and truthful. He passed down his humor, wit, and was "their favorite". Tony was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dorothy and Melvin Brown, Lois and Lawrence Cuzzupe Sr., as well as his stepmother, Judy Bass. He is survived by his loving wife and rock, Nichole "Niki" Cuzzupe, adoring children Jalen and Nyla, his best fur-friends Franklin and Sammy, his adoring parents Joyce Cuzzupe and Lawrence "Larry" Cuzzupe, sisters Amy Schmidt and Angela Solie (Eric), nieces and Nephew: Ellen, Ethan, Nina, and Mira; in-laws Margaret and Lon Levitre, and brother-in -law John Levitre. In addition, Tony leaves behind additional Aunts, Uncles, step siblings, cousins, numerous friends, and co-workers that loved him very much. A special thank you to the Columbia Heights Fire Department and the IAFF Center of Excellence. Memorials can be directed to support Niki and their kids or IAFF Center of Excellence in Tony's honor.

Anthony Guy Cuzzupe

August 24, 1977 - April 17, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services