Mr Robert J Sarazen

Robert J. Sarazen, nearly 62, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, in Fort Myers, FL, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer and the damage it left in its wake. Rob was born on March 29th, 1963, in Boston, MA, to Robert G. and Mary Jo Sarazen and grew-up in Melrose MA.
As a young man he was positively fearless. Whether on a skateboard, bicycle, motorcycle, skis, etc., he thrilled himself and us all by constantly pushing the envelope on what was possible. In high school, he was a proud member of the Melrose High School band where he met his closest, life-long friend, Chuck. Rob was always eager to improve his academic potential, pushing himself to achieve an undergraduate degree from Boston College and a master's in occupational therapy from Columbia University.
After completing his Masters, he stayed on in New York City as an Occupational Therapist for the New York School System. His love of children and the underserved led him to a 30-year career as a pediatric OT, serving children with developmental challenges and he constantly celebrated each small, but meaningful, advancement that would improve each student's quality of life.
Rob moved from New York to Fort Lee, NJ, where he met his longtime girlfriend and eventual wife, Shavona O. Robinson. As active Catholics, they met in church, and Shavona went on to be Rob's absolute anchor and each complimented the other's personalities, providing what the other needed. Rob and Shavona were married on April 20, 2023, and right up to her untimely, unexpected, and devasting passing on February 14th, 2025, they were very rarely apart.
Rob's passions included fishing as a young man and golf as he matured. He enjoyed the meditative and physical outlets they provided, and he loved the idea that perfection in these pastimes was impossible; it was never about the destination, but rather the journey. Rob also loved to travel. He took multiple trips to Hawaii; traveled to rural Peru; spent a year in Ireland, from where he traveled across Europe; and reportedly may have snuck onto Augusta National to hit a few balls before staff caught on.
Rob is survived by his father, Bob; his brother, Scott, and his wife Susan, and stepchildren, Jake, and Joey; and many dear and close cousins, their children, and spouses. Rob was sadly preceded in death by his loving wife, Shavona, and his mother, Mary Jo.
Celebrations of life for Rob will be held in Naples, where he resided since 2021, and the Boston area, where he grew up. Details to be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Naples Cancer Alliance Network.
Rest in peace, Rob. You will forever be loved and remembered.
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