Robert "Old Smoothy" (Bob) RORABECK
{ "" }
Share
Share Robert's life story with friends and family
Send an Email
Or Copy this URL to Share
November 30, 1929 - March 8, 2021 It is with profound sadness that the Rorabeck family announce the death of Robert (Bob) "Old Smoothy' Rorabeck at the age of 91 after a grand life shared with beloved family and numerous friends. Dad passed away in the arms of his best friend, his son Jim, at his daughter Cathie and son-in-law Ken Hillock's home in Port Perry after a short illness with CHF and kidney disease. Bob was the cherished husband of the late Margaret Marie Sheridan Rorabeck (January 2020) for 72 years, she was the love of his life. He was the beloved and best father, and golf partner of John (Linda) of Grafton, ON, Catherine ( Ken Hillock ) of Port Perry, ON, Margaret (Larry Dart) of Haliburton, James Rorabeck of Oshawa, Mike (Anne) Newcastle, ON, Ann Marie (Stan Szmyr) Courtice, ON and William "Bill" Rorabeck of Oshawa, ON. Proud and loving grandfather of James (Jim), Kathleen (Katie), Jamie, Jennifer, Michael, Stephanie, Sheryl, Myles, Robert, Bryan, Mathew, Sarah, Kevin, Carolyn, Alisa, Katelyn and Robyn. Dad was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren whom he loved and it saddened him that he was unable to get to spend time with the new babies in our family Madalyn and Logan (due to Covid 19 ) Dad was born on Oxford St. in south Oshawa or as he would say " College Hill " and grew up never leaving that part of Oshawa where he met mom at 15 married her at 18 yr of age and moved to Taylor Ave. in 1957 to raise his growing family. He was predeceased by his parents William Earl and Maude (Reyner) Rorabeck and his siblings Morley, William and Don Rorabeck. For 45 years, Dad worked for the A&P Grocery Company starting at 15 years of age during the 2nd World War, as a grocery clerk, stocking shelves at a small downtown Oshawa store and culminating in managing his own store in Whitby, ON. Mom and Dad raised 7 kids in that Taylor Ave. Oshawa home until we all finally left and they retired to happiness for 20 years of golfing, dancing, travelling and friendship @ Wilmot Creek, Newcastle. They travelled extensively from coast to coast in Canada, countries of Europe and every island in the Caribbean. He will also be remembered for love of our RORABECK Golf Tournament yearly, spanning 40 plus years Family and friends who associated with Bob (and Marg) were fortunate to be loved by such a generous, wise and kind-hearted soul. He was truly a unique human. 'A Good Decent Man'. He will continue to be loved, respected and deeply missed by all who knew him. He focused on family always Dad was a 43 year member of St. Gertrude's Parish Oshawa, a 20 year parishioner of St. Therese Parish, Courtice and life time member of the Knights of Columbus. Dad would also like us to thank Dr. Kate Newton in Newcastle for her overwhelming support of his emotional and physical health needs after mom's passing in January 2020. A special thank you to the staff of the LHIN, Partner In Community Care, SE Health, Paramed, Doug Brown and the staff at Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry. The wonderful support of Port Perry Palliative Care team with Dr. M. Brown made it possible for Dad's wishes to be fulfilled to end his time here with us at his daughter Cathie's home. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa (south side of Taunton Road, east of Thornton Road by the Oshawa Airport) 905-440-3595. Robert will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Margaret at St Gregory's Catholic Cemetery, Oshawa. If desired, memorial donations may be made by cheque to oakridgeshospice.com Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.destefanofuneralhomes.ca


To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Durham Region News on Mar. 10, 2021.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
No memorial events are currently scheduled. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.
Memories & Condolences
Guest Book sponsored by DeStefano Funeral Home Services Inc.
Not sure what to say?
2 entries
March 11, 2021
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. The thoughts of many are with you all. Sincerely, the Tomalak Family.
Olga Tomalak
Friend
March 10, 2021
My deepest condolences for the loss of your Dad. You are all in my thoughts during this time. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that your Mom and Dad are together again.
Bryce Rorabeck
Family
Invite others to add memories
Share to let others add their own memories and condolences