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Robert Lee "Bobby" Sarka

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Waite High School Arizona State University University of Toledo

Robert Sarka Obituary

SARKA
Robert Lee “Bobby”
Robert “Bobby” Sarka, age 68, passed away January 7, 2017, at Desert Spring in Scottsdale, Arizona, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born on February 25, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio to Arthur and Reba Sarka. He grew up in the Hungarian Birmingham neighborhood of East Toledo which shaped his childhood.
Bob graduated from Waite High School in 1966. In school, Bob was an all-city shortstop on Waite's baseball team coached by Mark Welker. His senior year was the last time Waite went to the state playoffs in baseball. He received a baseball scholarship to the University of Toledo where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English.
After college, Bob worked various jobs and eventually traveled to France to experience French culture and
later became fluent in French. After his many travels, Bob moved to Mesa, Arizona and attended Arizona State University to work on his Master's degree. During that time, he taught at Scottsdale Community College. After he completed his Master's degree, he entered the Ph.D. program and was offered a teaching position in the
English Department.
Bob continued to teach freshman composition at Arizona State throughout his illness until Spring, 2016. Because of his contagious personality, quick wit, and intelligence, he was held in high regard by his peers and students alike. His teaching style included not only practical instruction, but valuable life lessons. This was always met with
superior evaluations from his students.
Bob is survived by his sister, Charlotte (Lindell) and brothers, Kenneth, Leslie, Clayton, Jerry, and David. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Persis (Zeroff), Juanita (Blaydes), and Vivian (Balogh) and brothers, Arthur Jr. and
Ronnie.
Special appreciation to Tom Keller and Barney McShane, for helping Bob and giving him comfort in his final months. He will also be missed by his two close friends, Jerry Chorba and Chris Christoff.
There will be a private
memorial service for family members.
As published in The Blade

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

Published by The Blade on Jan. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sarka

21 Entries

Kathleen Schaus

January 16, 2021

Remembered with love for the complicated, interesting, persevering person he was.

Cathy Long

October 24, 2020

I sat next to Bob in English class Jr year. He was so much fun. He always had me laughing out loud when we were supposed to be quiet! At TU I again enjoyed sitting next to him i English class as we studied Shakespeare. So sad that he is gone.

judy nedveski

May 4, 2017

I just learned of Bob's passsing & was very saddened. We dated 1968-69, met at the Faba. Bob introduced me to Smokey Robinson, Playdium (favorite hangout!), Szalonna, one of his favorite author's, Earnest Hemingway. Sounds like he went on to be an ex-patriot himself. Over the years you can't help but wonder, "what if?" So many memories, so happy he was successful, I am sure his passion for literature influenced many. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

John Monoky

April 25, 2017

I am very sad to hear about Bobby. He was younger but always hanging around with a bat on his shoulder, ready to play with or against anybody. I had lost track of him but am pleased to learn of his wonderful career.

Regina Collier Kanary

February 2, 2017

I'm so sorry and saddened to learn of Bobby's passing. I can't remember a class that we weren't in
From kindergarten at Birmingham grade school through high school at Waite HS. I remember him for his niceness and his intelligence. We used to have spelling bees in grade school and usually he and I would be the last two standing. I remember once Mrs. Kaltenmark had to call it a draw since the bee had gone on for several days and none of the other kids were getting a chance to participate. I remember being sooooo proud of myself for being able to compete against him, because he was so smart in every subject. It didn't matter that I really hadn't won, it was just the thrill of still being on my feet after all those days of trying to win against "him." I'm very sorry I did not have an opportunity to connect with him later on in life. He was a good kid.

Kate/Kathleen Schaus

January 29, 2017

There are no words to express my feelings. Since 1971, I've had an ever-changing, never boring relationship with Bob that endured many changes, interruptions and incarnations. He was unique, intelligent, interested and interesting. He loved and wrote with great passion and intensity. He loved his family dearly, and his relationship especially with his beloved brother, David, was deep and beautiful.
His loss is unbearable, and I send my deepest sympathy to his family.

Sue Kontak/Muller

January 27, 2017

Bob and I went to high school together. To me, he was one of those guys who made an impact without being flashy or seeking attention. It's like he knew something the rest of us didn't. I am sorry I did not know him better and did not stay in touch. My thoughts are with all of his family, friends and students.

Rudy Mata

January 27, 2017

I was a student of Professor Sarka's. A phenomenal man who I will never forget. I will honor his memory with the teachings that impacted so many of his students. The Sun Devils lost a man who exemplified the very best of education. Rest in Peace, Professor.

January 25, 2017

Deepest sympathy to family and friends of Bob. Memories of "Sark" will always be there from the times of playing sports and cruising the Eastside & Hunkytown with Jerry "Cheeks"Chorba, Gary Molnar and myself. Rest in peace Sark!
P J Nyitray

Tom Crothers

January 24, 2017

To the Family and Friends of Bobby Sarka:

Please accept Linda's and my heartfelt condolences on Bobby's untimely passing. I'm sorry that we could not share our thoughts directly with you during a visitation.

Bobby was a tough competitor in high school, a wonderful teammate at UT and a great friend! May he rest in peace.

May God be with you all during this time of great sorrow.

Chuck Wood

January 23, 2017

Saddened to hear of bobby passing on. grew up in hunky town together. had good time on the Birmingham playground. Heaven is a brighter place with him there with his departed family members!!! No more pain!!!family My thoughts and prayers to the family!!!!

Mick Balogh

January 23, 2017

Bobby was my uncle and we were somewhat close in age while growing up. My mother was Vivian Sarka. He and I enjoyed throwing the baseball to each other and often at each other. Bobby really was a unique person as he was soft spoken but what he said was often paramount, he was quite physical and athletic and when he pushed you then you just knew he loved you, and he was extremely sensitive and sentimental as he was very careful when gathering his thoughts and expressing himself so as to make sure feelings were not hurt and his message conveyed. It is very nice reading many of the comments here of his recent friends and those from years ago in Birmingham. I helped Bobby deliver newspapers in Birmingham and in turn he taught me how to roll and tuck the papers so they were tight. What did I learn? If it's not your best then you're just not quite done yet! Bobby was the fella we just loved to love and I pray for Godspeed in your journey to your final reward my friend <3 !!!

bob lillie

January 22, 2017

you will be missed rest in peace

Bob Molnar

January 22, 2017

Sorry to hear about Bob. Great competitor and look you in the eye kind of guy. I hadn't seen him since high school days. Sincere condolences.

George Mansor

January 22, 2017

Enjoyed many good times, laughs and tears with Bob. He was highly regarded as a teacher. He once showed me just a few remarks about him from his students. They were all very outstanding comments concerning Bob and his teachings. I will miss him and his humor and wit.

Michael Sheehy

January 22, 2017

Saddened to hear of Bob Sarka passing. Met Bobby while we were still in grade school.We remained friends throughout our lives. May you rest in peace Bob.

JOE TINTA

January 22, 2017

Very sad news. In grade school we did everything together including play every level of baseball for Birmingham starting with Little League where Bobby was always our starting shortstop. Bob and I played strikeout at the Birmingham playground from early in the morning until it got too dark to see the ball just about every day in the summer. I remember hanging around with his brothers Jerry and Clayton on the corner of Bakewell and Paine which was the place to go at nights especially in the summer. If you saw Bobby you saw me most of the time growing up in Hunky Town until we started high school. RIP Bobby.

Gary Beilstein

January 22, 2017

Rest in peace Robert.......Amen.

Russ Ryan

January 22, 2017

So sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I had the good fortune of being a teammate as well as having him as a friend. As good as he was as an athlete on the playing field, he was a better person off of it.

January 22, 2017

We grew up together in the Hungarian neighborhood,went to Birmingham school and was a good friend and will always be. Bobby you will be missed. Dan Boray

Peggy Deeslie

January 22, 2017

I'm so saddened by this news. May the family who remains, be comforted by treasured moments spent with Bob and may perpetual light shine on his spirit as he journeys into the next world. We'll miss you, Bob Sarka!

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