John Bligh
- Teacher
- IS 125 in Sunnyside, Queens
Barry Stockman and Robert Thoering didn’t have children, but Stockman said his partner always said he had thousands of children.
“The school was his passion, his love,” said Stockman. “He never gave up on any kid.”
Robert taught 6th grade English Language Arts, but his classroom and lessons were open to all of his colleagues, said IS 125 Chapter Leader Tracey Miller.
“He brightened everyone’s day with a smile and friendly advice,” Miller said. “He was a true lover of learning. He was our grammar guru and would share with colleagues how to integrate those lessons across the curriculum.”
Miller recalled how he helped her make the transition from teaching high school to teaching middle school. “He calmed me down,” she said. “He was such a wonderful human being.”
Robert died of coronavirus on April 12 at age 56.
Robert studied history and theology at St. John’s University and received a master’s degree from St. John’s in 1991 and Fordham University in 2003.
He was an educator for 34 years. Prior to arriving at IS 125 in Sunnyside in 2004, he taught at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village and was principal of Our Lady of Refuge in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Stockman said Robert loved growing organic roses and vegetables and was a big supporter of animal charities.
Stockman recalled the couple’s travels. “We loved going to Saratoga Springs and visiting my mother in Florida,” he said.
They also enjoyed cooking together. “We would recreate family favorites, such as beef barley soup and split pea soup,” Stockman said. “He would always say the spoon had to stand up and not lean to the side.”
In addition to his partner, Robert Thoering is survived by his brother John, in Connecticut.
Condolences may be sent to:
Barry Stockman
7207 66th Road
Middle Village, NY 11379
I write this as a sophomore in high school now. He was my 6th grade teacher, and one of the best I’ve ever had. We would always discuss the possibility of him writing a book titled “The Art of Grammar”. He even told me he would give me credit for the idea. He told me he believed I had what it takes to get into Cornell. What a great inspirer, and an even better person. May his legacy live on through his students and loved ones.
What’s going on people. Mr Thoering was my 7th grade English and home room teacher. He was different, he was kind and calm. I have one specific memory of him which highlighted my 7th grade home room, which then lead me to look him up, which then lead me here. During class one day a girl had her desk pushed towards the isle and as Mr Thoering walked about he tripped on the edge of her chair and fell. As 7th graders you could imagine how insensitive we may have been and the classroom erupted in laughter. But rather then checking on himself or telling us to shut up, in one fellow swoop he got up and the first thing he did was ask the girl (who hadn’t moved from her chair since) if she was ok. I remember knowing how embarrassing that would’ve been for anyone, and how sincere you had to be to check on the person responsible for unintentionally tripping you before checking on yourself. Mr Thoering went the extra mile for us. I may not have been keen to the efforts put forward by teachers then, but most definitely appreciate it now as I’m older. All in all hope you resting easy Mr Thoering.
I am so sorry to hear of Robert’s passing, The last time I saw him was at Villa Erasmo in Middle Village celebrating his Aunts birthday. I am a mother of 3 children who he taught 2 of them at a OLH school. He was one of the BEST teachers there was. He always had the children to be the best they could be no matter what. He will definitely be missed, and I am sorry for your loss and his families loss. I only hope if Robert can see this post my grammar and spelling is correct, lol. Rest easy my friend. God Bless your soul
Thank you for your kind words about Robert. He is missed by all. His legacy will live on through the children he has taught over the years and of course the people he has worked with. As his partner he even influenced me in my daily life. His passion for his job and never giving up on any child or on me. He was a kind and a compassionate person and he had a great faith that inspired me to.
Mr. Thoering was my 7th grade English teacher at 125Q and probably the best I’ve ever had. I have just completed my Master’s Degree and I am stunned to have lost the most passionate educator I have ever met. I’ve been Involved in tutoring and teaching my profession along with another friend of mine who was also in his class. Today’s lesson was for him and I pray his soul finds rest and his family and loved ones find comfort.
Thank you I love hearing these about Robert. He is greatly missed by many-teachers and his former students, his friends and his family.
I wanted to thank all who posted (and will post to this wall) to this memorial wall. It is hard not having him by my side. Whenever a card had to written out to someone I always asked Rob. His handwriting was much better than mine and he was a lefty. I will miss all about him his smile and his wit and his storehouse of knowledge. I will miss you and continue to pray for my Beloved one. I will see you again at that time. Love your Partner Barry.
I went to elementary school with Robert. He was the nicest boy and was often teased unfortunately by the boys. I am glad to see that he found happiness in life. He was definitely a gently soul. ‘
Mr. Stockman, please accept my deepest condolences. I graduated from Our Lady of Hope in 1995, and Mr. Thoering was my 5th grade home room teacher. He taught me in 8th grade as well. Personally, he was always extremely supportive and encouraging. Some will say he was “stern”, but he commanded respect from his students and expected the best from them. It was obvious how much he truly cared and how passionate he was about teaching. I have fond memories of his classroom and lessons. Please take comfort in the fact that he helped inspire generations of students to perform to the best of their abilities. This lesson translated to life outside of school. It saddens me that more students will not be able to benefit from his instruction. I am eternally grateful for the role he played in my education.
P.S. I re-read this several times hoping it is grammatically correct! I know he would appreciate it and be disappointed if it wasn’t!
My 5th and 8th grade teacher at OLH. He was the reason why I became a teacher myself. He was tough but loved his students and loved what he did. I will never forget his lessons and the fun we all had in his classes. He never forgot a face, even years after we had left the school. When my father passed after I graduated, he was the only teacher from my elementary school to attend the wake and funeral. I will never forget that. He may have thought it was a small gesture, but it is a memory I hold on to dearly. Rest In Peace, Mr. Thoering.
He was my 5th grade teacher at Our Lady of Hope! He was one of the best! He lived teaching and loved his students!
It doesn’t seem real. Your smile and kindness will be missed. You truly were one unforgettable teacher and person. Barry-I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you. It’s been a difficult time not only for me but for his family and his younger brother John. We never thought this would happen. His death is not only hard for me, but for his family and those that worked with him and his students.
So sorry for the loss of the love of your life
I am very sorry for your tragic loss, Barry Stockman. I had a special bond with Robert, who I used to call “Thoer”.
I went to St. Margaret’s Elementary School with Robert. I was introduced to him by Sister Rita in 7th grade when Robert requested my phone number because he wanted someone he could rely on to get the homework if he was sick (and I was very good in math). I spent countless hours on the phone with Robert going over the math homework and my mom would drive me over to his house to drop off school work if he was absent from school. I also sat behind Robert in the classroom. We were both left handed and often suffered with right handed desks. I admired Robert’s tenacity and his enthusiasm for learning. My mother worked at PS 49 and she found out about Robert’s unfortunate and untimely passing from the United Federation of Teachers. I am very saddened by the loss. I last saw Robert at St. John’s University and really regret that we lost touch after that. I’m happy that he was an educator and I am certain that Robert was excellent at his job because he always went above and beyond what was required of him. He was a true perfectionist and I’ll always remember his smile and wonderful laugh. I miss you “Thoer”!
Your friend, Marisa Rubino Cuccia
Rest in Peace Robert. You were a great teacher and a wonderful friend. You will be missed.
Rest in peace with Stuie (phys.ed 125 and IS 5) and Adrian Baker. There’s a saying….”only the good die Young” these guys were good! Glad to have been in their presence. With Lydia now.
He was a wonderful and sensitive human being! If someone or something brought you down, he’d meet you on that back hallway and lift you up!
May God be with him.
Rest in peace with Stuie (phys.ed 125 and IS 5) and Adrian Baker. There’s a saying….”only the good die Young” these guys were good! Glad to have been in their presence. With Lydia now.
Rest in peace sir.
Very sorry for this tragic loss to the I.S. 125 family. May he RIP