Robert was born in Portland, Oregon. He was schooled there achieving his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon. He moved to the east coast, attending the University of Connecticut, where he graduated with a Doctorate of Psychology in 1958. In that same year he secured a position at Hofstra University – the start of a 45-year career which saw him achieve the status of full Professor of Psychology in the institutions’ Psychology Department. He retired in 2003.
A brilliant, inquiring and focused mind, Dr. Gossette was world-renowned in his field of Comparative Learning Theory. A tender-hearted lover of animals, his research at Hofstra also extended to a ‘zoo’ he maintained on the campus of birds, reptiles and exotic species of animals.
Dr. Gossette was proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving nine years. While he had moved east in his 20’s, he still had his lifetime love of the Pacific Northwest, and would return to visit the region where he was born when he could. This probably fueled his love of travel. He and his young bride, Kerry Benton, would travel extensively world-wide with a passion for visiting other lands.
Robert is remembered by his family as a loving and devoted father to his son, Rex. He was a passionate reader; and as well, a lover of music of all kinds as he enjoyed his extensive LP music collection. He carried a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes but most of all, was a kind, yet shy gentleman.
Robert is survived by his beloved son, Rex, his caregivers, Ralph and Mercedes Soluri, and his former wife, Kerry Benton; in addition to the many students in the undergraduate, master, doctorate and advanced studies where his impact was most influential.
Services at this time are private.
Remembrances may be left for the Gossette family at www.dandreabrosfuneral.com.
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