Robert M. Sabella

I recently saw a FB posting about who were your favorite teachers at PHS. I wrote, Mr Sabella. I googled him to get an update and I unfortunately saw this obituary. I did not get my highest grades in Sabella's class but he pushed me the hardest (I constantly was in his early AM extra help session) and he got me to be my best self. Today, when I think of my favorite teachers at PHS from 30 years ago, I think of him.

I just read this amazing story about Mr Sabella in Wired Magazine profile of brilliant AI scientist Fei-Fei Li. "Li credits another high school math instructor, Bob Sabella, for helping her navigate her academic life and her new American identity. Parsippany High School didnt have an advanced calculus class, so he concocted an ad hoc version and taught Li during lunch breaks. Sabella and his wife also included her in their family, bringing her on a Disney vacation and lending her $20,000 to...

I just ran across a very helpful letter of criticism he sent me ten years ago, as I was revising the story and thought I would like to thank him again for his insights. To my horror I find his obituary. I am so sorry. I wanted to tell him how grateful I was for his sensitive critique and tell him about publication. My condolences to his family. What a loss.
Sincerely,
Judy (Mrs,. James) Blish

I just found out about Bob's death, and I am shocked and saddened. He was my favorite teacher at PHS; he pushed his students hard, but was always available for help and general words of wisdom. Overall, Mr. Sabella was an amazing person, who I will always remember fondly.

I am so sad to learn of Mr. Sabella's passing. He was my math teacher at PHS 20 years ago and he was so great. Smart, kind and helpful. He was one of the standout teachers for me. I hope sharing this with your family will bring a smile to your face. With sympathy, a former student.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Bob Sabella in person, but I began reading his fanzines in the early 1980s, and corresponded with regularly for nearly 30 years. He was something not encountered that often these days -- a gentleman.

Andrew Hooper

I was surprised and saddened to hear this news. Bob and I traded zines and letters of comment for many years. I'm sure I'm joining scores of people in fandom that will miss him and his work. Also, an ESL teacher myself, I always admired him for his giving of his time and energy to his students.

I was shocked to learn of Bob's death. I had corresponded with him for years and traded zines, as well as being in FAPA. I always enjoyed reading his works, which will remain as his permanent memorial.

It was a great shock to read of Bob's passing. I greatly enjoyed receiving Bob's SF Fanzine Visions of Paradise. Bob will be missed.