Robert J. "Bob" Dobens

Palm City, FL

Robert J. "Bob" Dobens passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2018 in Stuart following complications from diabetes. He was 71.

Born on October 1, 1946 in Manchester, NH, Bob graduated from Manchester Central High School, class of 1964, and later attended Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, NH, where he played baseball. He put himself through college by working at the Manchester Union Leader newspaper, and after graduation began his career there as a reporter.

Bob moved to Stuart in 1982, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Strunz. They married in 1991. It was on the Treasure Coast that Bob began his photography business. He became the leading social photographer in Martin County, and was known and beloved by all those he helped and whose lives he touched through his talent.

It is not an exaggeration to say that this smiling man behind the camera helped dozens of local non-profit organizations and thousands of people through his selfless generosity and photographic skills. He donated countless hours to various charities through his photography, for which he was named the Unsung Hero of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Treasure Coast Chapter.

Despite challenges over the last few years brought on by diabetes, Bob continued to take pictures. He always said that he'd never retire because for him photography was never work - it was fun, and it was his life.

All who knew Bob can testify to his passion for baseball, particularly for the Boston Red Sox. Over a span of six years, he and his brother Peter visited every Major League Baseball park in the country. Bob was a wealth of knowledge on everything about baseball and the Red Sox.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Ezzo (Trevor), Jennifer Bouchard (Rob) and Allison Bergeron (Rob); grandchildren Sarah, Megan and Emma Ezzo; Hunter, Joshua and Kevynn Knoettner and Olivia Bergeron; his brothers, Tom Dobens; Peter (Barbara) Dobens; his sisters, Ann Dobens and Martha (Frank) Forward; three nieces and one nephew. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara; parents, Raymond and Pauline (Martel) Dobens; and brother Chuck Dobens. Two friends who are like family and have been with Bob throughout his journey in Florida are Gene Brown and Steve Browning.

Memorial Donations in loving memory of Bob can be made to: Helping People Succeed, 1601 NE Braille Place, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 or the Martin Health Foundation, 2135 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996 or the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997. If you have a personal connection with Bob through another charity, please donate to that charity in his honor.

A Chapel Service will be held at Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, 961 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart, FL 34994, on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at 10:00 am to be immediately followed by a Celebration of Bob's life at 12:30 pm at Helping People Succeed, 1601 NE Braille Place, Jensen Beach, FL 34957

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, Stuart Chapel.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.Martin-Funeral.com or http://www.martinfuneralhomecrematory.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TC Palm on Aug. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dobens

Sponsored by Martin Funeral Home - Stuart Chapel.

10 Entries

Tara West

September 8, 2018

Bob Dobens was the absolute BEST neighbor anyone could ever have. He was always there for me. We became great friends over a 16 year period and enjoyed sharing stories and being there for each other. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Bob's life. He was an outstanding photographer and gave much of his talent and time to local charities. He also served as President on our Condo Board of Directors for many years. Bob was a very kind, generous, independent, fun-loving, hard-working, always ready to get things done, great friend, courageous and truly brave man with a positive attitude no matter what. I will always admire his spirit and cherish his memory. I love and miss you greatly Bob. Rest in peace my dear friend. Go Red Soxs!! :)

My condolences to his wonderful family, friends and everyone who knew and loved Bob.
Sincerely, Tara

Herb McCumber

August 24, 2018

To the Dobens family IM sorry for your loss.I knew Bob and Chuck when I worked at a shell station in stuart.Bob was one of the the nicest person that you could meet.Bob was just like Chuck in personality and all they did for people with their photography careers.

August 24, 2018

Bob was the photographer for my daughter's wedding in 1992 and also for The Salvation Army's annual "Wings of Hope" luncheon for many years. He was a wonderful friend and photographer. Rest in peace with the Lord. Pat Northcutt

Nancie Parlin

August 20, 2018

I am so very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was such a good guy. I knew him from his many years photographing events at Sailfish Point. He was a warm, patient, talented man. My sympathies to his family.

Gail Griffin

August 20, 2018

To members of Bob's family,
Bob was a kind, gentle and professional man always. His photography skills were engaged multiple times by Martin Health System. He had a unique way to obtain the most flattering photos for members of our organization and Board. I enjoyed working with Bob when he was here photographing. I will remember him fondly, a true gentleman.

Connie Karol

August 19, 2018

For the countless hours and talents you shared with Pink Tie Friends, with the calendars,the galas, and numerous events to support breast cancer, we thank you and we honor you. May you be rewarded richly in heaven for all your goodness here on earth.
Rest in peace and everlasting joy.

David Vaina

August 19, 2018

Bob,

You were extraordinarily generous about the non-profit movement on the Treasure Coast, coming to the rescue when resources were slim (or even non-existent). I thank you personally for being there when I needed you most. Much gratitude on behalf of all those who worked and volunteered in the charity sector and the most vulnerable we serve. You will be missed.

Bruce Calvi

August 19, 2018

Rest in peace old friend

Ann Young

August 17, 2018

Heaven is full of joy today - Bob is home.

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