Robert "Bob" STANEK

1947 - 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Robert "Bob" Stanek who died at Sacred Heart Hospital on December 27, 2023, after a catastrophic brain hemorrhage. Bob was born in Spokane on June 3, 1947, to Truda and Frank Stanek. The family later moved to Seattle for a brief time, where Bob graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1965. He served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1966–1972 and was proud of his service to his country. He attended Central Washington University and Whitworth University and graduated with his bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. Bob served as a teacher in Plummer, Idaho, in his early career and then spent 30 years in the Nine Mile School District, where he served as a teacher, counselor, and principal. He enjoyed his work and the many wonderful people he got to know along the way.



In 1973, he married Donna Naccarato, and they had one child, Anne Stanek. Bob and Donna were married for 37 years before divorcing in 2010. In 2011, Bob reconnected with his high school acquaintance, Carolyn Hebert, and they spent the last 12 years together, traveling and enjoying life. Bob was a very kind and loving partner and will be sorely missed, having loved Carolyn so well. He will live on forever in Carolyn's heart, as will the memories of their life together.



Bob's family and friends were his true joy, especially his daughter, Anne. From day one, Bob and Anne were inseparable and had a strong bond. He was a wonderful father and his loss in her life is heartbreaking and brings a huge void. He was sensitive, loving, sentimental, and tender-hearted with those close to him. Before his mobility became an issue, he loved spending summers at his home at Loon Lake, fishing with his brother in Alaska, and traveling to beach destinations. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going to casinos, and playing pull tabs at bars. He was a loyal Mariners fan and either watched every game on TV or listened on the radio. He loved all sports, including the Seahawks, WSU Cougars, and Gonzaga men's and women's basketball.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Anne Stanek; his significant other, Carolyn Hebert; brother, Ron Stanek; sister, Judy (Jay) Hatch; former wife, Donna Stanek; nieces Barb (Jeff) Belluomini, Sandy (Jason) Stanek-Alward, and Melissa (Jesse) Yarpezeshkan; and nephews Tim (Mihaela) Hatch and Colin (Lindsey) Hatch. He is also survived by several cousins, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles, and most recently, his daughter-in-law (Anne's wife), Suzanne Withey.

A service with a luncheon immediately following will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory, 2203 N. Division St., Spokane, WA 99207. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in memory of Bob.