B-BP Community Mourning Loss of Longtime District Educator

Longtime Bayport resident and school district leader Fred Coverdale is being remembered by scores of former students, colleagues and community leaders as a man who believed in fairness and discipline as an educator, and generosity and compassion as a community member.

Coverdale, 78, passed away Monday and his death has sparked hundreds of social media messages from students around the country, spanning the course of his 30-year educational career in the Bayport-Blue Point school district.

Services will be held Wednesday from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. -9:30 p.m. on at Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Home in West Sayville. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 13 and interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Wounded Veteran’s Initiative and Canine Companions for Independence and sent to 286 Middle Island Road, Medford, New York 11763.

B-BP Board of Education President James March knew Coverdale as an educator, a friend and community supporter.

“Bayport-Blue Point is truly in mourning over the passing of Mr. C. He is best remembered for the style of tough love he doled out to his students from a bygone era where such practice was not only accepted but effective,” March told Patch in an email Tuesday morning.

Community requests to honor Coverdale’s contribution to the district are already being made to the BOE, he added.

Coverdale was the Bayport-Blue Point Foundation's premiere honoree at its first fundraising event in 1989, recalled March, who noted that there likely hasn’t been a class reunion that has not involved Coverdale either in person or through countless legendary tales of his teaching, coaching, or disciplinary techniques. 

When March reflects one vivid memory immediately comes to mind.

“His portrayal of Conrad Birdie when the faculty performed "Bye-Bye Birdie" was truly a sight to behold,” said March.

“Right up to Fred's final days, former students who attribute their successes to his guidance, remained in constant touch with him. A local icon whose presence will most certainly be missed and fondly remembered.”

And right up to his passing Coverdale was a true B-BP supporter, said his son John.

“People should know that even though the casket will be closed, my dad INSISTED that he have on a blue and gold tie!”

Patch will have further coverage later today and this week of the passing of Fred Coverdale and welcomes anecdotes and shared memories for publication. You can comment below or email judy.mottl@patch.com