Longtime Cobleskill Educator Robert Evans Dies at 87

Evans spent over 30 years at Sterling Insurance and coached multiple sports at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Robert H. Evans, a longtime resident of Cobleskill, New York, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 87. Evans had a distinguished career, working for 32 years at Sterling Insurance Company before retiring and becoming a beloved substitute teacher and coach at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District.

Why it matters

Evans was a pillar of the Cobleskill community, known for his gift of making people feel valued and his steady kindness. His passing marks the end of an era for the town, as he was a fixture in the lives of many students, colleagues, and friends over his decades of service.

The details

Evans was born on October 1, 1938, in Cobleskill, the son of Howard S. and Uva A. (Hotaling) Evans. He was a proud graduate of Cobleskill High School, Class of 1957, and went on to earn an Associate's Degree in Physical Education from Fulton-Montgomery Community College and continue his studies at Russell Sage College. In 1958, he married Eileen M. (Collyer), with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2019. After retiring from Sterling Insurance, Evans discovered a new passion in substitute teaching and coaching at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District, where he led girls modified volleyball, boys modified and freshman basketball, and varsity track and field teams.

  • Robert H. Evans passed away on February 18, 2026.
  • Evans was born on October 1, 1938.
  • Evans married Eileen M. (Collyer) on August 19, 1958.
  • Evans and Eileen were married for 61 years before her passing in 2019.
  • Evans retired from Sterling Insurance Company after 32 years of service.

The players

Robert H. Evans

A longtime resident of Cobleskill, New York, who had a distinguished career working at Sterling Insurance Company for 32 years before retiring and becoming a beloved substitute teacher and coach at Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District.

Eileen M. (Collyer)

Robert Evans' wife of 61 years, who passed away in 2019.

Howard S. Evans

Robert Evans' father.

Uva A. (Hotaling) Evans

Robert Evans' mother.

Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District

The school district where Robert Evans worked as a substitute teacher and coach after retiring from Sterling Insurance Company.

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What’s next

A graveside service for Robert Evans will be announced and held at a later date.

The takeaway

Robert Evans' passing marks the end of an era for the Cobleskill community, as he was a beloved figure who dedicated decades of his life to educating and mentoring local students through his work as a teacher and coach. His legacy of kindness and making others feel valued will continue to inspire those who knew him.