Robert V. Iosue

Dr. Robert V. Iosue

Former President

York College of Pennsylvania

 Dr. Robert V. Iosue passed away November 25th, 2024 in Lititz, Pennsylvania at 91 years of age. He grew up in Everett, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, the fourth of Fred and Quintina’s four sons. Bob was married to Christina Jane (Kimball) Iosue for 66 years, and was the father of Rob, married to Ruth Uibel Iosue, Mary Jane, married to Robert "Butch" Willett, and Felicia. He graduated from Fitchburg College, served as an officer in the Marine Corps - mostly in the Asian Theater - earned a Master’s Degree from Columbia University, and a PhD in Mathematics. He was a professor of Mathematics at CW Post College on Long Island for 16 years and was promoted to Dean of Students and then Vice President. He was selected as President of York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) in 1976.

 Bob Iosue was passionate about education and believed higher education should be accessible to everyone. In addition to completing York College’s transition from a two year community college to a four year institution, he built a national reputation for cost containment while improving quality. He raised money for scholarships for local students and he challenged the Washington DC Department of Education to work towards higher education at affordable rates. Through his 15-year tenure as President he always taught Freshman Math so he would get to know the incoming students and keep in touch with them throughout their time at YCP. This came full circle when one of the nurses at the Lititz Hospital taking care of him last month realized who he was. In the nurse’s first year at YCP he was doubting his ability to handle college. Bob paid him a visit in his dorm and, after providing him some chicken soup from Teena, gave him an encouraging talk that instilled the confidence to continue. He finished college and became a registered nurse, attending to Dr. Iosue at the very end of his life. 

 When Bob and Teena arrived in York the downtown area was rebuilding and they were happy to have the College serve as the cultural center for the city. They hosted many notable performers and guest speakers. Bob’s favorite was the annual visit by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In addition to teaching the students, Bob loved meeting them at the President’s house where Teena hosted welcome parties and Holiday gatherings. He also enjoyed competing in Student pick-up basketball games, where he would show off his classic hook shot. Upon his retirement from York College in 1991 the students honored him with a bronze plaque inscribed: “A just forthright, and personable man who not only led the institution to be the unique and distinctive place it is today, but modeled the way as a teacher and a friend”. 

 Bob trained as an architect and designed the lights that hang from the National Cathedral in Washington. He used these skills to leave his mark on the college, designing the walking bridge that crosses Tyler Run, and the Praying Hands installation for the College Chapel. 

 Bob and Teena were truly a pair! He joins her in heaven less than a month after her departure. 

In addition to his three children, Bob is survived by his three brothers: Andrew, Philip, and Freddy, seven grandchildren: Jack Iosue, Katelynde Orwig, Robert Iosue III, Taylor Headings, Alec McKee, Sophia Iosue, and Austin Willett, and four great grandchildren: Ana, Harmony, Caden, and Lillian.

 There will be a Celebration-of-Life ceremony for both Bob and Teena on Easter Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the York College Performing Arts Center, 441 Country Club Road, York, Pennsylvania. Greeting and Visitation will be in the Lobby from 9:30 am to 11:00 am; followed by a service in the auditorium. A luncheon will follow. Flowers may be sent to the York College Performing Arts Center, 441 Country Club Road, York, Pennsylvania. In remembrance donations may be sent to the Bob and Teena Iosue Scholarship Fund at York College of Pennsylvania, 441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403. Internment will be private for Family Members only.