Retired social studies teacher Robert Constantine of Redlands, California, also served his community as a master gardener and tireless volunteer. Photo Credit: Claremont Courier
Many superb educators also serve their community as tireless volunteers. One of these was retired social studies teacher and master gardener Robert Constantine of Redlands, California.
Robert was born on April 4, 1946, in Redland, California. Following his high school graduation in 1964, he attended University of Redlands from 1964 to 1968. While in college, he ran cross country and track and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Sigma fraternity. In his junior year, he was tapped for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honor society recognizing superior leadership and exemplary character. In his senior year, Robert garnered the Collis Steere Award, given to the senior athlete with the highest grade point average.
It was also at Redlands where Robert met classmate Peggy Rivers, who would become his wife of 52 years. Following graduation, both attended University of La Verne to earn their teaching credentials. After graduation from La Verne in 1969, the couple married and joined the Peace Corps. Together they served in Brazil from 1970 to 1972 in a program dedicated to planting gardens in elementary schools. During those years, he also taught English at the local high school.
Upon their return from Brazil, Robert accepted a position as a teacher in Pomona Unified Schools. After a stint in the US Air Force Reserves in 1972, he returned to teaching in 1973, this time in Covina. There he taught history and social studies for the Charter Oak Unified School District, where he taught both regular and International Baccalaureate courses. He also coached cross country, track, soccer, and basketball. His career there spanned 34 years. He retired in 2007.
Even in retirement, Robert remained active. He became a volunteer for the food pantry run by Inland Valley Hope Partners. He served on their board from 2013 to 2021, including two years as chairman. In addition, he helped facilitate the partnership between Hope Partners and Amy’s Farm, where he recruited, trained, and supervised volunteers. He also helped build the South Pomona Community Garden and supervised volunteers there. In 2015 the nonprofit recognized him with its highest honor, the Hope Partners Founders Award.
In 2017, the former educator became a Certified Master Gardner with the University of California. In this role, he was a member of the orchard team, taught Grow LA Victory Garden classes at Fairplex, and taught gardening in the master gardener booth at the LA County Fair.
Robert Constantine, teacher, master gardener, and tireless volunteer, passed away on March 11, 2022, from congestive heart failure.
