Robert "Bobby" Coomes Sr.

Robert “Bobby” Coomes Sr., age 87, of Edgewood, Maryland passed away on March 8, 2022 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air surrounded by his family. 

Born June 1, 1934, in Abingdon, Maryland, he was the son of the late Curtis and Eva (Blevins) Coomes.  Originally from Abingdon, Bobby Coomes lived in Edgewood for more than 60 years.

He was a 1952 graduate of the Bel Air High School and attended the University of Maryland before joining his father in opening the Coomes’ White Star restaurant. As owner/operator of the White Star in Edgewood from 1954 to 1990, his restaurant not only served as a meeting place for generations of local Edgewood residents but also provided a place of employment for dozens of local students.  For many of the youngsters in the day, the “Star” meant Star Boys, Butcher Boys, Crispy-Ques and Onion Rings. Almost as well known as the Star Boy, Bobby was also proud to introduce one of the first salad bars in the area, which featured a variety of homemade favorites. Bobby loved meeting people and always had a smile on his face when greeting his patrons.

He served on the Board as Regional Director for First National Bank of Maryland and Treasurer of the Route 40 Businessmen’s Association. Bobby was an avid participant in the Old Post School’s Alumni lunch bunch.

Mr. Coomes was a founding member of the Edgewood High School Business Association taking part in fundraising efforts for the benefit of various school initiatives and improvements. He was also lead sponsor for the Edgewood High Community Fair held each spring for over two decades which raised funds for numerous school activities. These efforts lead him to be inducted into the Edgewood High School Hall of Fame in 2014.

Mr. Coomes was a long-time member of the Edgewood Lions Club having served in various capacities within the local chapter. He was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship, in recognition for his contributions that embodied the humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.

Bobby rarely took time off from the restaurant, but once he retired, he enjoyed spending time with his family, chasing after his granddaughter, cooking for the family, relaxing by the pool, cruising on the QE II, and taking trips down to New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 63 years Rose Coomes; a daughter Lisa Rogalski and her husband Greg of Bel Air, MD; a son Robert W. Coomes, Jr. and his wife Karen of Landenberg, PA; one grandchild Rachael Rogalski Lutz and her husband Doug of Havre de Grace, MD. 

Contributions may be made to In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to either the Edgewood High School Hall of Fame (scholarship fund) C/O Edgewood High School Alumni Association 3217 Philadelphia Road, Abingdon Md 21009 or the Edgewood Lions Club PO Box 35 Edgewood, MD 21040 in honor of Mr. Coomes.