Robert Roelle: Former School Superintendent In Westchester

Robert J. Roelle, 75, of Huntington, on May 3, 2019. Beloved husband of Renee for over 50 Years. Loving father of Wendy (Jeffrey) Farah, Robert J. (Maria) and Christopher (Ryan). Cherished grandfather of 8 grandchildren. Dear brother of Marilynn Walters. Robert was a Superintendent of Westchester school districts for over 25 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Steps Early Literacy, Ossining Union Free School District.

Roelle, who grew up in Illinois, was a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he also earned an M.A. in Educational Administration. He earned his Doctorate of Education in leadership and policy studies from Loyola University. He came to Westchester from Long Island schools in 1992. After 15 years in Ossining, he ran the Katonah-Lewisboro school district until 2011. He then was an interim superintendent in Irvington.

"I love my work," Roelle said at his last board meeting in Katonah-Lewisboro. "I really, really love this work. Some people have said that the public schools are the greatest invention ever created and I concur with that. It's the entire threshold upon which this American democracy is built."

He was instrumental in narrowing the achievement gap in the Ossining schools, an effort which received national attention.

"Dr. Roelle served our school district from 1992 to 2007," Ossining Superintendent Raymond Sanchez wrote to the community. "In his years as Superintendent, Dr. Roelle helped to lay the foundation for many of our existing programs. He was well respected and touched the lives of so many students, families and staff members in Ossining. His family has informed me of his desire for private family services and a celebration of his life by his immediate family. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Arrangements are being handled by maconnellfuneralhome.com.