Robert H. Coward

Robert (Bob) Coward died peacefully in his sleep on September 18, 2024 in Marietta, GA at the age of 87, just a few weeks shy of his 88th birthday.
Bob is survived by children Robert (Kelley) of Alexandria, VA, Cheryl English (Anthony) of Marietta, GA, James (Joanne) of Toms River, NJ, Cyndy Lobb (Daniel) of Marietta, GA; grandchildren Kristin, Caryn, Jessica, Bobby, Kelley, Spencer, Nick, Jack, Nate, Michael, Matt, and Jenny; great-grandchildren Landon, Aria, and Molly; sister Kathy Hartwell (Joe); and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by loving wife Phyllis, his parents, Louis and Olga Coward, and his brother, Philip Coward.
Bob was born on October 6, 1936. He graduated from Barnegat High School in 1955 before graduating from West Chester State Teachers College (now West Chester University) in 1959. He married Phyllis in 1960, and they raised four children.
After college Bob joined the teaching staff in Edison, NJ, starting at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School and soon moving to Edison High School as a Physical Education and Health teacher. Bob was the Edison head boys basketball coach from 1962 to 1975 and then 1986 to 1987. He proudly led the Eagles to the 1965 and 1966 Middlesex County basketball finals (each time losing to arch nemesis Perth Amboy), and was named the Sentinel Publications Coach of the Year both years. Bob is still the Edison career leader in wins as the boys basketball coach, nearly 40 years after coaching his final game. He became the Edison Director of Athletics in 1972, a post he held until his retirement in 1998. Twice he was named the Middlesex County Athletic Director of the Year. Under his leadership Edison became a consistent power and contender for county and state titles in multiple sports including baseball, softball, football, soccer, and bowling.
Bob was one of the key founders and a driving force for the creation of the Greater Middlesex Conference and was an influential leader in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), serving on the Executive Committee for numerous years. Bob received the NJSIAA Award of Honor in 1990 and is widely recognized as a legend in Middlesex County and New Jersey high school athletics. He retired in 1998 after almost 40 years of dedicated service to Edison Township as well as New Jersey high school athletics.
After retirement, Bob and Phyllis moved to Boynton Beach and then Port St. Lucie, Florida. He enjoyed the hot Florida weather, cruising on his boat, and time with friends. Visits from children and grandchildren were especially happy times. Bob had spent the last several years after Phyllis' passing in Marietta, GA, near their daughters and the Georgia grandchildren.
Bob was a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend, maintaining many friendships for more than 60 years. He and Phyllis adored their grandchildren, and regularly traveled to see family and friends, all over the US as well as internationally. Going for a drive was an especially favorite pastime. Always the "coach" and sports fanatic, you could always count on Bob to be watching the big game, including doing his own color commentary on coaching strategies, accuracy of referees, and perhaps the fundamentals (or lack of) being displayed by the players.
The viewing will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen. The funeral will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 9:45am at the funeral home followed by a 10:15am Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen. The Entombment will be in Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob's life. He particularly had counseled the family that when the time came, his desire was a celebration, including bright dress rather than dark funeral attire. Further, his strong preference would be for all his loved ones and friends to enjoy a large slice of chocolate cake in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to benefit youth sports, including existing and aspiring athletes in Edison, Metuchen, or across New Jersey. Suggestions include: the Edison High School Basketball Booster Club (mail checks payable to "EHS Court Club" to Dave Sandaal, Edison High School, 50 Boulevard of the Eagles, Edison, NJ 08817); Good Sports (https://support.goodsports.org/give/340990/); or any other option with the mission to support learning and development through sports.
The family is very thankful to the caregivers at Carriage Crossing in Marietta, GA, Reggie and Louisa at AideMaids, and Trinity Hospice for their kindness to Bob.
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