He was known as one of the “Braided Bunch”, the affection name given to Bloom’s 1974-75 basketball team because they wore braids. Retired Superintendent Ron Patton posted on Facebook, “Bloom basketball great , ROBERT McCOY, who starred on teams that were second place finishers in the Illinois High School Association state tournament in’74 against Proviso East and ‘75 against Chicago Wendell Phillips passed away today. Robert and Bloom team mate Larry Lowe later played four years at Illinois State University. I had the pleasure of watching them play in the state tournament and later against Larry Bird at ISU.”
Robert was my brother-in-law. My husband, Larry McCoy, passed away less than two years ago. The two brothers were the “Real McCoys” when it came to Bloom basketball: both wearing 33, both coached by the late great Wes Mason, both earning All-State recognition, and both legends in the Bloom history books. Robert achieved Prep-All American honors as a junior. He scored 947 career points and would have easily set a record if he did not get injured. He was on All-Conference, All-Pontiac Holiday Tournament and All-State Tournament teams as both a sophomore and junior. He tied a Class AA championship game rebounding record with 15 against Chicago Phillips in the 1975 finals.
Robert became an advocate in the Chicago Heights community as Alderman and later running for Mayor. He had over 30 years of community service to bring the community together. He fought to establish equitable forms of local government. Many Eastside residence will remember him for his successful efforts in finding them legal representation and compensation for victims of the Riverdale Chemical Company fire and Neighborhood Evacuation. Others knew Robert for his 10 years of weekly commentary in The South Suburban Standard newspaper column entitled “Truth Justice and Equality”.
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His wife Cynthia writes, “The family and friends of Robert McCoy are heartbroken with the news of his sudden passing. Just a month ago, in June 2020, out of nowhere, Robert was informed of the diagnosis of non-operable stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer, which by definition, , had metastasized to the liver. This very aggressive cancer provides no warning and it is common that by the time you find out about it, it is already very advanced. Robert made his earthly transition at home, on Wednesday evening, July 08th. It was his decision to be cremated with no services. Therefore his wishes will be honored.”
I am sure Larry and Robert are creating a “Hoops Hype” in heaven with their mentors Coaches Wes Mason, Fred Jacobeit and William McGee with the angels cheering “We’re from Bloom Couldn’t be prouder…..
