Obituary of Robert James Exum

Robert (Bob) Exum, of Windham, NY, died peacefully on May 2, 2024 in Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY, with his wife Helen and son Connor at his side. 

He was born on January 30, 1942, in Goshen, NY to Frederick and Gertrude (Kosinski) Exum and raised in Paterson, NJ. He graduated from Paterson Central High School where he was captain of the Varsity Basketball and Baseball teams. 

Bob was awarded a dual scholarship in Basketball and Baseball by the University of Southern Mississippi, a Division One institution, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He completed a Master’s in Physical Education Administration from Montclair State University in 1976. 

Bob taught K-8th grade physical education at Valley Road Elementary and Middle School, in Boonton Township NJ. He also coached basketball and baseball for the Middle School and Bergan Catholic High from 1963 until 1973.

During that time, Bob met Helen Bouley, a schoolteacher whom he met at Valley Road School. They were married on July 15, 1967. They have three sons, Sean, Brendan, and Connor, who were all raised in Windham, where they moved in 1973. 

He was employed by Windham Ashland Jewitt Central School between 1973 and 1976 as the Physical Education Instructor for K-12. He also coached high school baseball, basketball and soccer.

Bob went on from teaching to entrepreneurship, owning and operating a successful small business until his retirement. 

Bob was an avid sports follower and he especially loved golf. He loved travelling with this wife, and he was a fan of Country Western and Irish music. Once he became a grandfather, Bob loved coaching his granddaughters in soccer and basketball.  

He is survived by Helen his wife of 56 years, his sons, Sean, Brendan, and Connor, four granddaughters Brittney, Hannah, Katie, and Tori, two grandsons Nathaniel, and Gabriel and a great granddaughter Naomi.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church., Rte. 23, Windham, NY. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Rte 23, Windham. Reception  details to be announced.