William John Cobb ’51

Bill was born Feb. 9, 1928, in Walton, N.Y., to Russell and Gertrude Sawyer Cobb.

After high school he served in the Navy for a year before coming to Princeton. He earned a bachelor’s degree in SPIA, was in the NROTC, belonged to Charter, and was active in Glee Club and the Outing Club. Bill roomed with Cliff Starrett and Steve Wiley.

After graduation he served as deck officer aboard the aircraft carrier Tarawa and was released in 1954. That same year he and Andree Hammer were married. Bill earned his master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers’ College in 1956 and thereafter earned a doctorate in administration. He was employed by the Ridgewood, N.J., public schools for 30 years, serving as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and acting superintendent.

Bill also contributed time to the Children’s Therapy Center in Fair Lawn, N.J., and served on the board of the Forum School in Waldwick, N.J., for 25 years, 10 of those as board president.

He died July 17, 2016, and was survived by his wife, Andree; their children Russell, William, Andree Louise, and Paul; four grandchildren; a great grandson; and Bill’s sister, Louise Cobb Moore. Memorial donations in his name to the Valley Hospital Foundation/Hospice in Ridgewood, N.J., would be most appreciated.