Charles Albert "Buddy" Sabo Jr.

SABO, Charles Albert Jr. "Buddy," born on October 20, 1940, departed this life on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 after his battle with Mesothelioma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. Sabo Sr. and Betty Micka Sabo; a brother; and a loving sister, Judith S. Thrash; and a caring sister-in-law, Carole M. Elmore. Mr. Sabo was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church where he served on various committees. He joined the Navy in 1964 and was stationed aboard the USS Forrestal CV59 and served two tours of duty to the Mediterranean Sea and one to Vietnam. Mr. Sabo graduated from North Carolina State University with honors as a double major in Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sandra Merricks Sabo. This marriage was blessed with three children, Victoria S. Wells (Chris) of Emporia, Susan S. Byrum (Kevin) of Pendleton, N.C., and Charles Albert "Chuck" Sabo III of Emporia. He also leaves behind a grandson, Daniel Charles Byrum; and a granddaughter, Brittany Byrum Anderson; many aunts, uncles and cousins, including Anne Kingsbury whom with the late John Kingsbury he considered his second parents. He also is survived by Dan Kaempf and Lester Elmore who were considered close brothers. Remaining survivors include two sisters, Betty Ann Barrett (Butler) of Emporia and Ruth S. Bowling (Richard) of Chesterfield; and a brother, Ben (Bettly) of Emporia; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, Va. The funeral service, led by Pastor Stephen Bockage, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 10, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church, 1351 West Atlantic St., Emporia, Va. 23847.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.