Robert T. Sena

Robert Thomas Sena passed away peacefully, with his three children by his side, on September 6, 2024 at the age of 99. Born and raised in Detroit, he was the son of John and Mary Sena, who had immigrated there from Ukraine in 1916. He was the second youngest of six siblings- Olga, Eugene, Anne, Joan, James and Dolly.
He was a graduate of Chadsey High School, Michigan State University (Engineering and Pre-Dental) and University of Michigan School of Dentistry, class of 1951. He served briefly in the U.S. Army and then entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He served in the U.S. Navy before returning to U of M to complete dental school.
While at U of M, his best friend and fellow classmate, Philip Youngblood, introduced him to his sister-in-law Barbara Anne Bush of Grand Rapids. Bob and Barbara were married three months later and soon returned to Grand Rapids to start both a dental practice and a family. They had three children-Rebecca (Michael) Kalinowski, Robert Dana Sena, and Kim Avery (Suzanne) Sena.
Robert practiced dentistry in Grand Rapids for over 50 years He loved the art and precision of dentistry and enjoyed the opportunity to meet and communicate with all of his patients over the years. He often said it was the perfect profession in which to serve.
He especially enjoyed traveling and golf – especially together! He never met a golf course he didn't love- whether it was his home course at Blythefield Country Club or the many public and private courses stretched out across the US. He started taking the kids out at a very young age and part of the challenge of his kiddie golf lessons involved sitting quietly in the cart without dissolving into giggles as they patiently sat through his practice strokes and tutorials.
Robert made motor traveling an adventure. From a family trip cross-country on Route 66, to other road trips Up North, Out West, Down South and Out East, we gained an appreciation for the open road and the beauty that existed in small towns and just beyond the next bend. His favorite city was Asheville, NC. He never tired of going there, saying it was the perfect setting with the perfect subtle change of seasons. In the 1970s, he took and passed the NC State Dental Board Exams with the sole intention of settling down there. A serious health problem with his young son Robert put that dream on hold, but he never regretted that decision to stay here.
He and Barbara traveled frequently overseas. They loved immersing themselves in the culture of each country, and Robert went so far as to study the languages of the countries he was visiting. They loved small shops and marketplaces and tiny, family -owned hotels and restaurants. Needless to say, Robert loved the challenges that foreign driving presented, including the obligatory narrow mountain roads with hairpin turns and lots of wandering animals. Barbara gamely stood up to the challenge every time. Their favorite city was Paris and after Barbara passed away in 2014, Bob returned there one more time in 2017, accompanied by his son Kim. It was a final chance to see new sites and return to the places he and Barbara loved.
For the last 40 years, Bob's favorite destination was his cottage on Lake Michigan. His appreciation of the National Parks and all of their beauty was only topped by his admiration of Lake Michigan and all of the towns, beaches and bluffs along it's shoreline. For Robert, in traveling as in life, it was never about the destination-it was always about the journey-and he always preferred the road less taken.
Having lost his father to a heart attack at a young age, Bob began a lifelong practice of eating healthy foods and practicing an active lifestyle. He read History books extensively, tackled the toughest Soduko and crossword puzzles-all in an effort to keep his mind sharp and to stay alert and aware of the changes around him. Upon entering his late 90s, he often commented that REALLY old age was "not for the faint of heart". He was amazed and grateful for every day that he was given and made excellent use of the time that he was allotted. He took special pride in his four granddaughters-Natalie Kalinowski Vogt (Nick), Avery Corynn Sena, Shaelen Renee Sena and Madeleine Rose Sena- and delighted in the choices they made in their educational pursuits and professional lives.
Robert and his family owe a debt of gratitude to his long-time physician, Dr. Daniel Drumm; his primary cardiologist Dr. John Collins and his cardiac surgeons Dr. Lawrence Patzelt, Dr. Chris Chambers and Dr. Stephane Leung and all of his many caregivers over the years at Blodgett and Butterworth Hospitals. A final huge thank you goes to his physician, PA and nurses at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, who made the last week of his life a dignified and peaceful one. Two years ago, when Robert needed additional assistance around the house to help with some of his personal and housekeeping needs, his middle son Bob moved in with him to help out. Bob outdid himself and the family is grateful.
Please join the family at the graveside for a ceremony to honor Robert's memory on Friday October 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Plainfield Township Cemetery at 6205 Packer Drive NE, Belmont, MI. 49306. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to DA Blodgett-St. Johns, 2172 Dean Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
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