Robert J. "Bob" Kabbaz

Robert Joseph “Bob” Kabbaz

HILLIARD, Formerly of OTTAWA - Robert Joseph Kabbaz, of Hilliard, formerly of Ottawa, known to his friends as "Bob," passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. After a long and courageous battle, he is finally at peace.

He was born on June 28, 1951, in Orange, New Jersey, Bob was the son of the late Leon and Babette "Babs" Kabbaz. On June 24, 1970, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Costos. Together, they built a life rooted in love and devotion that spanned over 50 beautiful years.

Bob’s career was rooted in a deep, personal mission to help those who needed it most. For over 31 years, he served at both the county and state levels, including his time with Brookhill Industries in Ottawa, Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities in Columbus. He spent his life advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities, never seeing just a job, but always seeing the people. Bob was fiercely passionate about breaking down barriers and opening doors so that everyone—regardless of their abilities—had the chance to live a better, fuller life. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and a world made more accessible because of his efforts.

After retiring in 1998, Bob kept his curious spirit alive through various jobs and interests. However, if you spent any time with Bob, you likely heard about his years as a volunteer firefighter in Ottawa. It was the job he held closest to his heart. He cherished the deep bonds of the firehouse brotherhood and felt a lasting pride in having served the community he called home. He loved everything about the firehouse: the connection to his neighbors, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to help people in their time of need.

Above all his accomplishments, Bob was a family man. He was the devoted husband of Mary Ann and the loving father of Michael (Sarah) Kabbaz of Monterey, CA, and Marissa Kabbaz of Hilliard. He adored his siblings, Bill Kabbaz of Ontario, OH and Mary Patricia (Bill) Ashley of Loretto, TN; and sister-in-law, Sheila Kabbaz of Mansfield.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Greg Kabbaz, and sister-in-law, Julie Kabbaz.

His greatest title, however, was "Papou." His three grandchildren—Bella, Alexander, and Athena—were the lights of his life, and he loved them more than anything in the world. Bob will be remembered as a man who fought hard, loved deeply, and spent his life in the service of others. He will be missed beyond measure by his family, his friends, and the many lives he touched.

Funeral service will begin at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026, at LOVE FUENRAL HOME, (405 E. Third Street, Ottawa OH 45875) with Ottawa Fire Department Chaplain, Fr. Rick Friebel officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service Thursday. The family will host a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at the Red Pig Inn (1470 N. Perry Street, Ottawa, OH 45875)

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Kobacker House and Riverside Hospital palliative care and ICU nurses for the compassionate care and support they provided to Bob and his family during his final days.

In lieu of flowers memorial, donations may be made to Kobacker House (800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43026) or Ottawa Fire Association (PO Box 5, Ottawa OH 45875).

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com