Robert Korbar
Robert Korbar Obituary
My beloved father, Robert Korbar, 89 of Seattle, closed his beautiful, blue eyes for the last time on September 30, 2020, while I held his hand. He was ready to leave, so please don't be sad — celebrate his new journey, where he has joined my beloved mother.
What can you say about a sweet, loving, kind gentleman and an incredibly powerful person? His gift of a cheerful nature, a talent for connection, a smile that lit up a room and his incredible sense of humor and quick wit kept his family and friends smiling and laughing until his final day. Thankful for his sweet and loving presence in our lives. We love you forever....
Bob began his life in Witt, Illinois as the youngest of 13 children born to Marian (Loch) Korbar and Frank Korbar on December 8, 1930.
Bob was a military man and star athlete, a loyal patriot who served with distinction in both Korea and Vietnam as a member of the United States Navy for 30 years. He was a retired E7 Boatswain's Mate Chief Petty Officer. Throughout his 30 year career he received numerous commendations, metals for leadership, bravery, and earning the deep respect of superiors and his enlisted shipmates. One of his favorite commissions was as the captain of amphibious assault ship (LCU 1618) designed to patrol inlet waters and help stake out beach heads on hostile shores. In this role, he did two tours of duty in Vietnam.
Following his retirement from naval service he continued his work for the Garden Grove Unified School District in Orange County, CA, retiring after 21 years. Throughout the years Bob and his wife Fran, were involved in property management and development in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Bob met Frances Golob, with whom he eventually would share 46 years of marriage. They raised one daughter in a house filled with love and laughter in Southern California where they enjoyed the outdoors camping, hiking and exploring the beaches, deserts, and mountain regions of the country.
In retirement, Bob and Fran spent every April through October in the High Sierra's near Bridgeport at Twin Lakes, CA, where they enjoyed hiking, fishing with many friends and family in the peaceful beauty of the region. He loved being outside, and especially enjoyed the more than 30 year companionship of ten other couples who all traveled together in a caravan, enjoying the life long friendships. He was the last survivor of the group.
In late 1999, Bob became the devoted caregiver for his wife, Frances, during her short illness. Following her passing in 2002, Bob began a new chapter in his life. He relocated to Seattle in 2004 to be closer to his daughter, and extended family in the Pacific Northwest.
His love of sports quickly became his passion, especially watching baseball, football, boxing, UFC, and many other martial arts. He loved movies, especially the Godfather film series, National Geographic and The History channel. He also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii on an annual family vacation, returning to a culture that he found peaceful.
In early September his daughter Cynthia became Bob's devoted caregiver during his short illness.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marian (Brodeska-Loch) Korbar, and Frank Korbar; wife Frances (Golob) Korbar; sisters: Laverne (Matilda Loch) Scott, Margaret (Molly Korbar) D’Andrea, Marie Korbar, Frances (Fannie) Korbar, Angela (Lena Korbar) Rossetti, Marry Korbar; brothers: Adolph Loch, Frank Korbar, Jr., Raymond Korbar, Richard Korbar, Anthony Korbar.
He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Korbar, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and grandnieces.
Graveside honors and burial for family and close friends will be scheduled at the Riverside National Cemetery in Southern California in the near future.
Bob’s charity focused on his immense compassion for animals, especially the welfare of neglected and aging dogs and cats, were always at the forefront of his kind heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution, in Bob's honor, to one of these fine organizations:
Old Dog Haven
Committed to the belief that all senior dogs should live peacefully in their final years as members of a caring family. Provide permanent foster homes for unadoptable, abandoned or soon to be homeless, senior dogs in western Washington, age eight and over. They give preference to the oldest dogs and those that have serious health issues.
PAWS
Helps cats, dogs and wild animals go home and thrive — whether home is the family room or the forest. We do this by rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals.
Face Foundation
Enhances and preserves the quality of life of animals by providing access to necessary medical care and education. To create a world where no family pet dies due to financial hardship.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Korbar, please visit our floral store.
