Robert "Bob Sr." Dabal

He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years Joan Ann Price Dabal, his son Robert “Bob” Dabal (Jamie), and grandchildren Eleanor (14), Caroline (13) and Alexander (10), his sisters Maryann Melus (Rick) and Eileen Baron (Greg), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Suchy Dabal and Bernard Dabal as well as by his sisters Patsy Szucs (Lou) and Barbara Louridas (George).

Bob Sr. was born and raised in Passaic New Jersey where he lived until relocating to North Carolina for work in 1973. He then moved to Alabama in 2015 to be closer to his immediate family. He spent his entire work career as a chemist making chemical coatings for furniture before retiring in 1998. He was particularly proud of his success in the field, considering the fact that he was never able to obtain a college degree because he had to go to work straight out of high school. He would definitely consider sending his son to college and medical school as his second biggest accomplishment. His greatest accomplishment would be his loving daughter-in-law who treated him like her own father and his three grandchildren who were the highlight of his life. He loved visits from the grandkids hearing about all of their activities and loved being able to attend some of their piano recitals at Fairhaven.

After retirement, his love of golf grew, and he played frequently until his health and vision limited that ability. Unable to read due to multiple vision issues in his later life, he enjoyed watching all sports on tv, particularly college basketball where he cheered for his son’s alma maters – the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.

Bob Sr will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his witty sense of humor and his generous heart.

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Wednesday April 3 at 2:30pm with a visitation in the Parlor at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Callahan Eye Hospital at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.