Robert spent his early years growing up in Onondaga County, New York, and graduated from Elbridge Central School. After high school, Robert chose to enlist in the United States Army. He served in the Army for three years, in Germany, during the Korean War. Upon his return from the Army, he attended Brockport State Teachers College, where he focused in the field of physical education due to his love of sports.

 

While Robert was in college, he made a trip to Forestville with a friend and met Carol Cooley. This chance meeting eventually led to the couple’s marriage in July of 1960. They would go on to have three beautiful children, Terri Lee, Robert Jr., and Timothy, and make their home in Forestville.

 

For those who knew Robert, he held three passions in his life: Basketball, community, and family. Basketball was a true passion. While playing basketball at Elbridge Central School, Robert accumulated 1,391 points, which was the Onondaga County career scoring record from 1954 to 1983, and he also held the record for most points scored in a single game with 64. Robert’s basketball successes fueled his desire to always be involved in sports and competition, even when he was physically unable to do so.

 

Robert also understood the importance of community and volunteerism. In his life, Robert compiled an impressive list of involvements including: Village of Forestville trustee; member of the Forestville Central School Board; chairman of the Forestville Youth Recreation Commission; and Mayor of Forestville from 1977 to 1980. Robert also held more memberships than can be listed. Community service was an integral part of his character.

 

As important as sports and community were to Robert, perhaps nothing was more important than family. He was always there for his children and never missed any of their daily activities. Not only did he not miss his children’s activities, but he also participated in many of them, coaching them through little league to helping them with studies. Robert left his mark on his children, as his love and affection for them is largely why they are the successes they are today.

 

In 1983, Robert was ultimately forced to retire from his job at Sterlingworth Corporation of Jamestown, due to a heart condition. Not long after, Robert’s heart condition ultimately led to his passing on February 14, 1985.

Robert’s love of community has been carried on by his former wife Carol who recently established the Robert North, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation. Every year, this fund will benefit a graduating male or female member of the Westfield Central School basketball team and will do so in Robert’s name, further memorializing this great man and all his accomplishments. This is something Robert would be truly proud of. 

 

While those in Onondaga County will always remember Robert North, Sr.’s basketball greatness, those in this community will always remember him for his love of family and community. The Robert North, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund will make sure this is never forgotten.