Rosemead Councilman De Cocker : Rosemead City Councilman, Educator Robert De Cocker

Robert De Cocker, a longtime elementary school principal elected to the City Council after his retirement, died Friday at his home of complications from a brain tumor. He was 64.

De Cocker was elected councilman in April, 1988. Previously he was a member of the city Planning Commission, where he helped develop legislation controlling the growth of Rosemead’s multiple dwellings, mini-malls and motels.

“He was the proponent and active supporter of traffic-signal light improvements and other issues related to (traffic) congestion,” said Donald J. Wagner, Rosemead’s assistant city manager.

De Cocker retired from the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District five years ago after serving 30 years as principal of Wing Lane, Hillgrove and Shadybend elementary schools. He was a teacher for four years before becoming a principal.

“He was very well loved by the people who worked with him, and he had a lot of friends in this district--teachers, administrators, and classified personnel who regret that he’s no longer with us,” said Assistant Supt. Joyce Craig. Even after his retirement, De Cocker helped coordinate a disaster relief program for the district, she said.

De Cocker was born in Mishawaka, Ind., and moved to Monterey Park in 1945 after serving in the Navy in the Solomon Islands during World War II. He met his wife, Jean, while both were seniors at Whittier College, where he got his bachelor’s degree. He received a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Southern California.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his mother, Betty; a son, Dean, and a daughter, Lisa Valenzuela.