Robert Claude Cox, age 84, of Milford, beloved husband of Rose Marie Babian Cox for 52 years, died at home on August 11, 2014.
Bob was born in Devon on July 6, 1930 to the late Claude A. and Helen French Cox, and was the nephew of the late Herbert R. French, former Superintendent of Milford Schools.
Bob graduated from Milford High School in 1948 as Vice-President of his senior class and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master’s Degree in History from the University of Bridgeport in 1953. Bob then studied for his 6th Year Degree at UB and in the summer of 1970, went to India to study and write his thesis on the Economics of India.
Bob honorably served as Corporal in the US Army, 188th Airborne Division from 1953-1955. Upon returning, Bob taught US and World History in Milford High School and Jonathan Law High School for 35 years. He was the Department Head and Supervisor of the History Curriculum for the Milford School System and President of the Milford Federation of Teachers. He also created the “Senses First” Program for high schools to help students learn more easily and effectively by making an emotional connection to historical persons and events.
He coordinated a “Close-Up” Government Program and traveled with high school students to Washington, D.C. to study Government. He was active in the student-exchange program between Russia and the US, traveling to Russia many times. Bob participated in the Yale-Russian Studies Summer Program and received a commendation in Russian language from the Gymnasium Foreign School. He sponsored many children in need from various countries with Children International and also sponsored several priests in the Vincentian Congregation. Bob was an active member and served as a Lector and CCD teacher with St. Ann Parish.
In his 20’s, Bob emceed the St. Ann Variety Show and starred as “Al Jolson.” Father Shaw called Bob “The Mayor of Devon” as Bob could be called upon to answer questions about the history of Devon. Bob was also a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society of St. Mary’s in Milford and served on the Milford High School 1948 Class Reunion Committee.
He served in the Democratic Town Committee and was the Chairman of the Milford Housing Authority. Bob loved sports, especially baseball, basketball, and golf. He was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Mets. He played on his high school baseball and basketball teams and was the captain of MHS Baseball team in 1948. Bob coached the American Legion Jr. Baseball Team, the Golf Team at Jonathan Law, and was the assistant high school basketball coach under Tufie Maroon.
Bob was a member of Riverview Country Club and loved playing golf with his lifelong friend, Paul Rydelek. Bob played in many golf tournaments and won several trophies.
Survivors in addition to his wife, Rose Marie, include his son, Robert Brian Cox and his wife Susan Waters Cox of Middletown, and daughter, Marie Lynn Cox of West Haven; his sister, Helen Cox Chapin Williams of Milford; three grandchildren, Jenna, Evan and Warren Cox of Middletown; a nephew, Gary Chapin and his wife Lorraine of Rockland, Maine; and his grand-nieces Jessica Geipel and Charlotte Melita.
With deep gratitude, we especially thank our health aide, Ingky Tiad, for her years of devoted, compassionate care, all of the doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists from Home Care Plus who gave such loving support in Bob’s battle with Parkinson’s. We thank the staff at West River Health Care Center and also Hospice for their kindness and care. We especially thank our family and friends for all their love and support throughout the years.
Friends and family are invited to attend A Mass of Christian Burial on Sat., August 16 at 10:30 AM DIRECTLY in St. Ann Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery with full military honors. Friends may call on Friday, August 15 from 4 to 7 PM at the Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation www.parkinsonhope.org <http://www.parkinsonhope.org/>.
To leave an online condolence, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com