Stories: Who We Have Lost

A Man with a Heart

Who did you lose to Covid 19? Robert "Bobby" McCoskey

Our dear Bobby had a habit of calling family members, beginning the conversation with: “Hey, don’t tell mom, but I took her phone. I wanted to call you.” That was how those conversations would always start. And we deeply treasured those calls from him.

That’s the kind of man Robert McCoskey was. Kind, thoughtful, and always a little bit goofy. To say he could light up a room doesn’t do him justice. No cliche could. Robert, or Bobby as he was affectionately known, brought joy with him everywhere he went. The life of every party, he took time to make everyone smile.

Bobby chose to spend his life giving back to the world. Spending his winters volunteering, Bobby rang the Salvation Army bell outside stores since he was a kid, consistently bringing in the most donations with his warmth and holiday cheer. He helped out in food and toy drives too, wearing his Santa Claus outfit. That’s how we’d like to the world to remember Bobby, the real life Santa Claus, because he carried joy in his heart and his heart on his sleeve.

His good deeds didn’t stop there though, in fact they didn’t seem to stop anywhere. He volunteered at church drives and yard sales where he was known to give the shirt off his back, literally. Bobby also made a name for himself in the scouts. The Boy Scouts of America have recognized Robert “Bobby” McCoskey with achievements and honors such as Life Scout, Order of The Arrow, and Assistant Scout Master. He happily spent his time camping and teaching other scouts sign language, a skill he also brought home to teach his little sister.

Not many people knew that Bobby also became a world class bowler. Bowling was one of life’s greatest gifts to Bobby and one he was passionate about. That passion paid off when he competed and was awarded the silver medal in the Special Olympics.

The loss of our Bobby is a loss for the world. He loved to travel and meet new people. With a nose for adventure and a kind heart, Bobby had no shortage of friends. Always a man for funny hats and good times, you can mention his name across the country, and someone will pipe up to ask how he’s been. Then they’ll tell you a story from some beach or party many years ago. Always helping. Always lending a hand. It may have been while ringing a bell, riding his bike, or wiping the floor with you at the bowling alley … Bobby was always the sweetest, kindest and funniest man.

While he’s left a hole in our hearts and in our lives, such a kind man will have a good seat in the kingdom of heaven. He was a wonderful son, an amazing brother, and the most loving uncle his many nieces and nephews could have asked for. Robert McCoskey leaves us, his grieving family, behind: his mother Roberta, brothers Brian,Tim, Kent Jr., George, and his sister Debra. Rest in peace Bobby, and may heaven have a lane waiting for you. In our hearts, we will always be waiting for your phone call. We will keep your secret, and we won’t tell mom.

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