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Robert Ihrig
August 21, 1945 - August 17, 2025 Cobleskill– Robert ‘Poncho’ Ihrig, a resident of Cobleskill since 1967, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday August 17, 2025, at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He was 79.
Born in Oceanside Long Island on August 21, 1945, he was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Glickston) Ihrig. During his youth on Long Island, he enjoyed vacationing with his family at Lake Rescue, VT, walking the beach with his dad and his pet dog, Skipper, and working summers parking cars at Jones Beach, where he saw his first concert, the Beach Boys. Bob was a 1963 graduate of Oceanside High School and continued his education in Massachusetts at Springfield College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education in 1967. While at Springfield, he was a member of the lacrosse team, and a brief member of the baseball team, where the coach, in the first season, suggested that maybe he should try wrestling. He always thanked that coach for being the one that helped him discover his passion for wrestling. Hence ‘Poncho’ was born. Bob would move to Cobleskill in 1967, joining roommates Charlie Cobb and John Jarvis. He started teaching physical education at Cobleskill Central School district, then known as the Red Devils. He would also coach soccer, track and cross country, softball, and his beloved wrestling. During his coaching career, he received numerous awards, had a youth wrestling tournament named after him, and left people in stitches with his famous “scandal sheets.” He retired in 2004 but remained as a wrestling coach for the CRCS Bulldogs until 2015. He remained a dedicated wrestling fan until 2024, where he would frequent matches with close friend and coach, Kenny Bono. His pastimes included; riding his beloved Harley, vacationing at the beach, camping, and spending summers painting with a ‘motley crew’ of teachers. He was also active with local dog rescue organizations. Survivors include his wife, Heidi (Ihrig) Brinkman of Cobleskill, a daughter, Nichole Cordon of Holliston, MA; a stepson, David Brinkman (Shayna) of Cobleskill; a brother, Richard Ihrig of Newburgh, NY; two grandchildren, Kyle and Kaitlyn Cordon, also of Holliston; and his numerous wrestling ‘sons.’ Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Bob’s cremains will be scattered off Jones Beach. A celebration of life will be held at the Cobleskill Country Club on Sunday, September 7th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Catskills Humane Society, POB 88, Delhi, NY 13753 or to the Montgomery County SPCA, 1232 NY-5S, Amsterdam, NY12010. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
