Robert Ira Sabloff

Known fondly in his retirement community as “Garage Bob” because he taught golf lessons out of his garage, Bob was an inspiration to those around him. Despite his cancer never going into remission, Bob accepted it as part of his life. He never let it define him and the cancer made him more compassionate. Bob was always ready to help others – routinely calling people when they needed a pep talk, and especially when they needed reassurance before, during, and after a crisis or illness. He gave his time (and advice!) freely. He also was the go to “fix it” man for everything from regripping golf clubs, to reloading ammo, to building wheelchair ramps or doing home repairs.

Bob was born June 1, 1943, in the small Catskill Mountain town of Liberty, New York, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, golfer, skier, gardener, and fisherman.

He went to New York University, where he met the love of his life, Amy. After they married, they moved overseas where Bob served in the United States Army. Once home, Bob had a career in insurance and HVAC sales, but in his heart, he always wanted to be a golf pro. After he retired, he fulfilled that dream by competing in the Senior Series, a satellite tour of the Senior PGA.

Bob was a genuinely optimistic person, who refused to be held down. When cancer forced him to stop golfing, he focused on other activities: shooting with the guys at the gun range, playing pool in the league, or working on his latest project around the house.

But most of all, Bob will be remembered as an adoring husband, loving father, generous grandfather, and for his warm smile, kind spirit, generous heart, and big hugs.

Bob’s greatest joys were his family and friends. He is survived by his adoring wife of almost 52 years, Amy Sabloff; his daughter Diana Sabloff and her husband Ed Shapiro; his son Shawn Sabloff and his wife Amy Sanguinetti-Sabloff; and four grandchildren: Arianna, Austin, Joshua and Cassidy.

Services were held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Surprise Funeral Care in Surprise, Arizona. Burial was at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona. Shiva is at the Family's home.

The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made in Bob’s name to Friends of the IDF, Hospice of the Valley, Temple Beth Emeth, or to a charity of your choice.

To sign the guestbook online, and to send your memories, condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.