Robert Bobby Sarka

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.

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