Robert B. Badeer ’60

Bob, also known as “Rabbit” or “Rab,” died Dec. 7, 2015, at the age of 76. He had suffered from severe neurological issues during his last year.

He graduated from high school in Huntington, N.Y., where he starred in football and basketball and was president of his senior class. At Princeton, Rab was on the freshman and varsity basketball teams during his first two years. He was active at Cannon Club, majored in history, and was a member of ROTC.

After a few years of searching, Bob found his calling in education. He first taught history and was the varsity basketball coach at Smithtown (N.Y.) High School, where his teams won two league championships. After earning a master’s degree in education at Columbia, he became principal of Accompsett Middle School, also in Smithtown. Rab was active in the Smithtown community, serving on a number of town and civic boards over the years. He was widely admired for his engaging personality and commitment to public service.     

Bob cited “Princeton in the Nation’s Service” in our 10th reunion book and expressed it in his life’s work. He is survived by his wife, Phoebe; children Robert, Scott, Carrie, and John; and nine grandchildren; to whom the class expresses its sympathy.