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Richard J. Koke

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Richard Koke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 30 to May 31, 2008.

PERU -- Richard J. Koke, 91, of Route 22, North Main Street, Peru, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.
He was born in New York City Sept. 19, 1916, the son of Joseph and Emily (Chevrolet) Koke.
Mr. Koke initially applied his burgeoning interest in the history of the Revolutionary War as the historian for the Trailside Museums in Bear Mountain, N.Y., from 1935 to 1937. The historical events of the Revolutionary War, especially those which took place in the Hudson Highlands, proved to be a lifelong interest for Mr. Koke. From 1937 to 1941, he was the curator of the museum at Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site. He then applied his historical knowledge to the war effort during World War II, when he served in the Historical Section of the European Theater. Following the war, Mr. Koke was the curator of the Museum at the New York Historical Society from 1947 to 1983, after which he held the title of Emeritus Curator until his death. He wrote and published numerous books and articles including "Accomplice in Treason: Joshua Hett Smith and the Arnold Conspiracy" and "Corridor Through the Mountain."
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Mary A. (Kimbley) Koke, whom he married Jan. 1, 1955, in New York City; Mary's siblings, Violet Shoemaker of California, Elizabeth Twetan of Peru and George Kimbley and wife Georgianne of South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Independent Baptist Church in Keeseville.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.

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Recent Activity

June 22, 2008

Don Loprieno posted to the memorial.

June 19, 2008

Linda Ferber posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2008

Stella Bailey posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Don Loprieno

June 22, 2008

I met Richard Koke only once, but I remember him well. I was manager
of Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site and in that capacity, presided over the battlefield’s centennial in May, 1997. As part of my introductory remarks, I wanted to pay tribute to individuals who had contributed to the battlefield’s legacy.

The guest of honor that day was Richard Koke, whom I had never met until he graciously agreed to be present for the occasion. As I told the assembled dignitaries and members of the public, he had been born in New York City, was historian of the Trailside Museum from 1935-1937, and the first curator of the Stony Point Battlefield Museum during the summers of 1937 through 1941, after which he served in World War II.

In 1947, he was historian at Saratoga National Historic Park, and thereafter became curator at the New-York Historical Society until 1983, becoming curator emeritus of that organization. I also described Mr. Koke as the author of numerous historical articles and books, and a participant in Revolutionary War archaeological excavations in the Hudson Highlands and particularly at Stony Point Battlefield.

I was pleased that not only was Mr. Koke able to attend the ceremony, but also that he and his wife agreed to return to the battlefield the next day and tour the grounds. It was a bright Sunday morning, and as the three of us had coffee at the site house and talked about the battlefield’s development and preservation, I was impressed with Mr. Koke’s breadth of knowledge, his understated manner and his modesty. Later, as we walked to the British defensive positions and I shared with him my latest research on the battle, it was clear to me that whatever I had discovered would not have been possible without those who, like himself, had preceded me and helped prepare the way, just as hopefully my work would prepare the way for others. It was a satisfying thought and an unexpected link between generations.

Word has now been received that Mr. Koke has passed on. He knew better than anyone that history is a continuum, of which he was and remains a part; that the past is never really past, and what has gone before is but a distant mirror reflecting what will come.

I think of him on the day we met more than ten years ago – alert, engaged, still interested in the battlefield though it had been some time since he’d been actively involved in its progress. He was a quiet and lasting inspiration to me and to countless others influenced by his long life and many accomplishments. Richard Koke was also - in a phrase that is seldom used these days perhaps because so few examples exist – a gentleman and a scholar.

Don Loprieno
Bristol, Maine

Linda Ferber

June 19, 2008

As Museum Director at the New-York Historical Society, I feel a special connection to Richard Koke with whom I corresponded for the many years that I was Curator of American Art at The Brooklyn Museum. He always answered my notes promptly and with a chipper reply. His admirers here at N-YHS are so very disappointed that he will not be here to see the catalogue of the N-YHS watercolor and drawing collection that was about to be sent to him. Richard's own 3-volume catalogue of N-YHS's American landscapes and genre paintings, long out of print and now a rare book, continues to be an invaluable reference. We will miss him.
Linda S. Ferber

Stella Bailey

June 12, 2008

As Executive Director of The Fort Montgomery Battle Site Association I, along with our Board Members, Send our condolences on the loss of Richard Koke. His love of History and his work at Fort Montgomery State Historic Site along with his fine work on the booklet "Twin Forts of the Popolopen" will long be remembered by us all. He had our deepest respect and he will be missed. Our sympathy to his family.

Melodie Athene Bitting

May 30, 2008

Richard was always sweet, cheerful, and affectionate to me, his adopted niece. I wish that all parents could be as generous, encouraging and emotionally supportive as he was to me throughout the years. My heart is breaking now, even though I feel his kind spirit comforting me with his light-hearted thoughts. I am very grateful to have had Uncle Richard in my life.