Robert E. Moseley, 90, of Hyde Park, a visionary in the field of continuing education and a decorated hero of World War II, died Sunday, April 10th at the Thompson House in Rhinebeck. Robert Moseley was born in Windsor, NY in 1914, the son of Henry Luther Moseley Sr., and Henrietta Van Ness Manwarren Moseley.

The first Dean of Continuing Education/Community Services at Dutchess Community College (1973-74) in Poughkeepsie, NY, Mr. Moseley believed that the goal of continuing education was "education for any student," including adults returning to school. At one time, he was an adult student himself, returning to Columbia University early in his career to obtain his Master's Degree while teaching physical education in the Hyde Park Central School District. In addition to strengthening the curriculum at Dutchess Community College, he set up extension programs at Greenhaven Correctional Facility, local area high schools and IBM, and initiated the Evening Student Association to make part-time students feel closer to the college. "Our dad was a Renaissance man," the Moseley family stated. "He believed in equal education for everyone, regardless of class, gender, or race. That was a unique position to take in the 1940s. But then, Bob Moseley was a unique man."

In addition to his continuing involvement with education, Mr. Moseley was always a leader in Hyde Park community activity: a Lifetime Member of the Hyde Park Rotary Club, an active supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, member of Hyde Park American Legion Post 1303, and the Reformed Dutch Church of Hyde Park. On April 6, 1942 in St. James Episcopal Church, he married Bertha E.(Betty) Strait. His wife of 55 years died in 1997

He is survived by two sons, Thomas and his wife, Christie, of Baltimore, Md., and James and his wife, Donna, of New Berlin, NY; a daughter, Elizabeth Quest and her husband, Thomas, of Hyde Park; five grandchildren, Jake, Maria, Luke and Daniel Moseley, and Evan Quest; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, George Kenneth and Henry Moseley.

Robert Moseley (1914)