LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert Dean Hodgson, coach-
ing legend, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the passing of
prominent citizens of the State of New York whose purposeful careers and
worthy endeavors have contributed to the quality and character of life
in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Coach Robert Dean Hodgson, a legendary basketball coach, died
on March 17, 2012, at the age of 61; and
WHEREAS, Born in Jamaica, New York, Robert Hodgson spent ten years
coaching in Ohio and South Dakota; while in Ohio, he became head coach
at Dominican College, and later brought the State Tournament Champion-
ship to South Dakota; and
WHEREAS, After his return in 1989 from the Midwest, Robert Hodgson
joined the teaching and coaching staffs at William Floyd High School,
Mastic Beach, New York; he was actively involved in numerous community
and church functions and raised his children in the school district; and
WHEREAS, Robert Hodgson had served as President of the New York State
Basketball Coaches Association and was most recently its Second Vice
President; he was one of the first to organize the Knights of Columbus
Free Throw Basketball fundraiser and was involved with the Lithuanian
Community Program, as well as being the head of the William Floyd Chess
Club along with Youth Basketball; and
WHEREAS, Robert Hodgson proudly coached three William Floyd High
School Teams to the Suffolk County Basketball Championships; his accom-
plishments, trophies, and recognition have been well documented over his
long and illustrious career, but the long list of the youngsters he
helped over these many years is much more impressive; and
WHEREAS, Coach Hodgson was first and foremost concerned about the
children; his hard line discipline coupled with his love and compassion,
made him beloved by all his students and their parents; and
WHEREAS, Coach Hodgson elevated the sport of high school basketball to
a new level and was preparing many youngsters for college; he helped
many of his players to go on to college through scholarships and oppor-
tunities they would never have been exposed to; and
WHEREAS, Robert Hodgson, a husband, father and educator also worked
miracles on the countless children he mentored; he was a beloved and
well respected teacher and winning coach who cared for his students just
like they were his own children; and
WHEREAS, Robert Hodgson is survived by his wife, Lynn; his children,
Robert Jr., Rex, Rose and Ryan; his grandchildren Kiera and Emma; and
his siblings, Gordon and Gail; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Coach Robert Dean Hodgson leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Coach Robert Dean Hodgson, noting the significance of
his contributions on behalf of the citizens of this noble Empire State
and expressing its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Coach Robert Dean Hodgson.