Obituary published on Legacy.com by Scott Funeral Home on Mar. 9, 2026.
A service for Retired Captain Robert Edwin "Bob" York, USN, 88, of
Jeffersonville, IN, will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Scott Funeral Home (2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville) followed by a 2:00 PM Graveside service at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. Visitation from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Robert passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Robert was born on May 3, 1937, in
Auburn, KY. He was the only child born to the late Lovell Mizell York and Evelyn (Henderson) York. Later moving to Indiana, he graduated from Jeffersonville High School where he played on the basketball team. Robert graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, where he was a manager on the basketball team. Following, he married his first wife and was commissioned ENS from the Aviation Officer Candidate School while stationed in
Pensacola, FL. During his 6 years of active duty, his other military stations included Newfoundland, Canada; Vietnam; and
San Diego, CA. Following, he began serving for 23 years in the Naval Reserves, flying monthly to
Washington, DC. Robert was awarded several medals: Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Naval Reserve Medal. He retired from the Navy Reserves in August 1992, at the rank of Captain. At the completion of active duty, Robert returned to
Jeffersonville, IN, and joined Greater Clark County Schools. He taught mathematics for 37 years while he earned his master's degree from Indiana University and obtained 32 hours above a master's at the University of Louisville. Robert also served a term as president of the teachers' union. When he retired from teaching, he was at his alma mater, Jeffersonville High School.
In 1978, Robert married Reda Alice Goff from Ocala, KY. During their 39-year union, they enjoyed many activities together with friends at the First Christian Church of Jeffersonville and the evening Jeffersonville Optimist Club. Robert enjoyed golfing, being an active longtime member and past president of the evening Jeffersonville Optimist Club, participating in the Senior Games, attending Jeffersonville High School basketball games, spending time with family, and gardening in a neighborhood community garden. Earlier on, Robert also enjoyed his antique cars and trucks, riding his motorcycles, coaching little league baseball, travelling, and square dancing. More recently, Robert was attending the First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville.
Robert was proceeded in death by his parents and loving wife, Reda. He is survived by his two children, Cecilia York (Forrest) of Winchester, KY; Craig York of
Jeffersonville, IN; and two stepdaughters: Connie Gipperich (Chuck) of Louisville, KY; and Toni Cavallo (Joe) of Prospect, KY; along with 6 grandchildren: David York (Hannah) of Louisville, KY; Katie York of
Jeffersonville, IN; Jenna Collins (Jeff) of Floyds Knobs, IN; Luke Gipperich of Louisville, KY; Morgan Thompson (Jeremy) of Elizabethtown, KY; Andrew Snelling (Lorianne) of Salem, IN; Chase Cavallo of New Albany, IN; and Jack Cavallo of New Albany, IN; and 3 great-grandchildren: Melody York, Lane Snelling, and Levi Collins.
Robert was very grateful for Ella Burns' and Aimee Shackelford's support, keeping him at home, and for all the assistance from Ronnie Iglesias, CVSO.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Robert E. York may be made to any of the following: Jeffersonville Optimist Club (evening club); Cancer Research Institute for skin
cancer research;
Dementia Society of America for research.
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