Robert Bookbinder

Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1923, Bookbinder was raised in the small Catskill Mountain community of Woodridge, New York. In 1940, following graduation from Woodridge High School, he began his undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. During this time, he was a member of the Advanced ROTC Program and in 1943 was called to active military duty. Completing Officer Candidate School (OCS), Bookbinder was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 86th Blackhawk Infantry Division as Platoon Leader of the Ammunition and Pioneer Platoon, Headquarters Company, First Battalion, 343rd Infantry Regiment. He held that post throughout the period that the 86th Blackhawks served in the European Theater of Operations.

Bookbinder remained with the Blackhawks when the Division was redeployed to the South Pacific where he helped to rebuild the synagogue in Manila. He returned to the United States for separation from service in 1946 and was then recalled to active military service during the Korean War from 1951 – 1952. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic and meritorious achievement and service and in 2013 was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the Honorable Gael De Maisonneuve, the Consul General of France.

Returning to the University of Kentucky to complete his undergraduate studies, Bookbinder earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree in 1947. There he was a founding member of Zeta Beta Tau. He received a Master of Arts degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, NY in 1947 and continued his studies there and with other educational institutions to earn a Professional Diploma. He then received his Doctor of Education from East Coast University, Dade City, FL in 1971.

Bookbinder enjoyed a 42-year career in public education in Long Island, New York and later in Northeastern Pennsylvania, serving as a physical education and elementary school science teacher, elementary school principal, junior high school principal, director of curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendent, superintendent of schools and professor. He also owned and operated a children’s summer camp in Mountaindale, New York from 1947 through 1965 and was known as “Uncle Max” to generations of campers. Retiring to Pompano Beach, Florida in 1988, he remained active in public education serving as a substitute teacher in Broward County, supervising student teachers with Lynn University and volunteering for more than 20 years with Reading is Fundamental.

A prolific writer, Bookbinder published more than 20 books along with numerous articles that appeared in newspapers and professional journals. He was an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and a frequent speaker with the National School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators, among others. Throughout his lifetime, Bookbinder was active with many community, social and charitable organizations in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida and he received countless awards and honors in recognition of his good works. An athlete, Bookbinder was a Golden Glove boxer and was named the University of Kentucky Welterweight Boxing Champion of 1940. Later he became an avid golfer and twice made a hole-in-one. A “leader’s leader, ” he was equally known for his engaging stories, ready smile and cheerful approach to life.

Bookbinder was married to his beloved Natalie for nearly 50 years until she passed away in 1996. He was then blessed with 20 years of love and companionship from his dear Ruth Gale. He is survived by three children, son Howard (and Kathy) Bookbinder and daughters Susan (and Herbert) Blauel and Pamela (and John) Spears; three grandchildren, David (and Elizabeth) Bookbinder, Emily Blauel (and Kyle Bocko) and Rachel Spears; and two great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Jackson Bocko and he will be missed by his family and friends.

Memorial gifts can be made to City of Hope, Jewish War Veterans, Reading is Fundamental or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Deerfield Beach, FL.