John Bligh
- Retired teacher
Robert Kudless, a Staten Island native who taught middle school English early in his career before shifting to special education, was known for his empathy and gentle demeanor. He died on Jan. 6, 2024, following a fall, at age 79.
Bob attended Brown University, where he earned a bachelor’s in English literature. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, during the Vietnam War.
In 1970, Bob began his teaching career at IS 24 in Great Kills and was there for a short time before transferring to IS 34 in Tottenville, where he taught English Language Arts for more than a decade.
Mike Robles, a former colleague at IS 34, said he and Bob immediately hit it off, forming a close bond that lasted for the next 50 years.
Bob, who was well over 6 feet tall and had played football in college, cut an imposing figure, but he was a “warm, gentle man” who was a natural at teaching, Robles said.
“I never heard a bad word spoken about him ever,” Robles said. “He was a heck of a likable guy.”
At IS 34, Bob oversaw the production of the school newspaper and literary magazine. He enjoyed “guiding students to explore and find their unique literary voices by expressing themselves through the written word,” said his daughter Anastasia.
While teaching at IS 34, Bob earned his master’s degree in secondary education at the College of Staten Island and a sixth year certificate in administration.
With the new credentials, he took a job as a special education administrator for District 75 programs in Manhattan from 1987 to 1995. He served in various capacities during those years, including placement officer and transportation coordinator.
But he missed the classroom, Anastasia said, so he returned to teaching at P 721, the Richard H. Hungerford School, on Staten Island.
“Bob found it especially fulfilling to work with students facing challenges and was often called upon for his soft-spoken demeanor and uncanny ability to empathize with both students and families,” Anastasia said. “He was a strong advocate for the special needs population.”
He worked at the Hungerford School for six years before retiring in 2001.
Robles said Bob always loved stories and was a good storyteller. “He was fun to talk to,” he said. Bob would often quote famous books and authors, he said. “Bob was very smart — very literary,” he said.
In retirement, Bob “enjoyed staying up-to-date on all things literary, as well as revisiting the classics,” his daughter said.
He was a longtime New York Times crossword puzzle fan and, in recent years, also enjoyed the challenge of Wordle.
In addition to Anastasia, Bob is survived by Claire, his wife of 45 years; his brother, Stephen Kudless; his sister-in-law, Judith Kudless; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Donations in Bob’s name can be made to CancerCare and/or the Wounded Warriors Family Support Foundation.
Bob was the best uncle a nephew could ever ask to have. Simply a father 1a. I will miss him dearly.
Bob Kudless was a wonderful teacher! Not only was he a brilliant scholar, he was also a dedicated and compassionate person who truly cared about each of his students. A great conversationalist with a quick wit, he was always sweet and kind. My husband and I were so very lucky to have Bob & Claire as our good friends for over 40 years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Yes, Bob was always kind, gentle, humble and genuinely caring to everyone. He could not help but leave a huge void in people’s lives in his absence. If he could he would help us fill it; what will fill it somewhat are the loving memories and his loving Spirit. It was an honor to have known him and he will never be forgotten.