Robert D. Cook, Jr.

Robert D. Cook, Jr., Principal of Rondout Valley High School died peacefully Monday January 21, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born September 10, 1970 in Kingston; he is the son of Robert D. and Jacqueline Cook of Kingston. He was a class of 1988 graduate of Kingston High School and received his BA in History from Bentley College, an MS in Education from SUNY New Paltz, and an Advanced Graduate certificate in Educational Administration from SUNY Stony Brook.

A visionary leader in education; Bob made significant contributions through his service and leadership, and increased achievement and excellence in the Rondout Valley High School. He taught Mathematics at the High School for ten years and was thereafter in administration as vice principal and principal of the high school for more than six years. Bob was always so proud of his High School students and he loved hearing about all the wonderful things that were happening in the High School. For the last five years he has been the most visible proponent of the development of programs for the High School. Bob has served as an extraordinary role model for students, as well as an inspiration to his faculty and staff and he was respected by all. He was a compassionate counselor, a standards bearer of integrity and civility, and a highly respected Principal.

Anyone that knew Bob, knew he was an avid sports lover. He loved taking his family to watch many professional sports games, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Celtics, and New York Yankees. His devotion to tennis followed him through high school, college and post-grad. Bob holds the all-time record for Ulster County tennis singles titles with 9, doubles titles with 7, and holds a number of Woodstock Open titles. He played Division 2 tennis at Bentley College, where he was awarded the Northeast- 10 conference player of the year in his junior year.

Surviving in addition to his parents is his devoted wife of nineteen years Katie Cook, his children Brett Thomas, Rachel and Clare Cook. Siblings; Michael Cook and his wife Toni of Kingston, and Christopher Cook and his wife Jamie of Bronxville. Six nieces and nephews, his mother in-law, Kathleen Carey Mihm of Kingston, and brother in-law, Marty Mihm and his wife Kristin of Denver, Colorado. Bob's beloved dog Shamrock also survives.

Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, where family and friends may visit on Friday, January 25th from 4-8 PM.

A funeral procession will form Saturday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 noon at St. Mary's Church in Kingston. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.