Robert John Kokoski

Robert John Kokoski, PhD (Dr. Bob), 85, of Ellicott City passed away on January 19, 2018.

Born in 1932 to Charles J. Kokoski Sr. and Rosalie Kusek in Chicopee Falls, MA, he moved to Halethorpe, MD as a child. After attending the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he earned a PhD., he entered the field of drug abuse testing. By taking charge of a research project at Spring Grove Hospital in 1963 to detect drugs of abuse in biological samples, Dr. Kokoski was the founder and director of Friends Medical Laboratory, Inc. He worked as the scientific directory at Friends until the day of his death trying to make a difference in the fight against addiction.

Married to Patricia Ann Bell in 1962, together they raised 4 children (Patricia, Richard, Michael and Jennifer). Having lost his wife in 2004 to cancer, Dr. Kokoski continued on in her honor, working, traveling and cherishing their 9 grandchildren (Michaela, Matthew, Samuel, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Sean, Christopher and Andrew).

Dr. Bob, as he enjoyed being called, was a great believer in working hard and cherishing the moment. When not at Friends Lab, he traveled extensively with his family and friends. In fact he had just vacationed in Disney over the New Year’s holiday with grandsons and had another trip scheduled to Williamsburg, VA with family this summer. A passion for Disney, history, work and family is what occupied him in the years after his wife’s death.

In addition, Dr Kokoski was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church (Clarksville, MD)  since moving to Howard County in 1970. His faith was an integral part of his life inspiring trips to Sunday mass no matter where he happened to be traveling.

He is survived by his children Patricia (Apichart Chalungsooth), Richard (Marcia), Michael (Matilda) and Jennifer. As well as his grandchildren Michaela, Matthew, Samuel, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Sean, Christopher and Andrew. Also his brother Charles J. Kokoski Jr. (Catherine) and sister Rosemarie (Charles Pryor).

He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia and infant son Robert John Kokoski II.

Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Baltimore.

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