Robert G. Sabattis

Robert G. Sabattis, aged 58 years, died Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY. After a courageous battle with cancer, he passed peacefully in the arms of his loving family. Born April 17, 1958 in Summit, NJ, “Bob” was the son of the late Adolph and Evelyn (Pedecine) Sabattis. Chasing his childhood dream of becoming a police officer, Bob dedicated over 30 years to serving the public. In the Township of Union Police Department, he impressively rose from a police officer in the patrol bureau to detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and, in 1997, captain—commanding the very patrol bureau in which he began. While with the department, Bob was honored with medals of Honor and Valor, as well as commendation medals on two occasions and command citations on nine occasions. He also served as a volunteer fireman with the Millburn Fire Department. Following his 25-year career with the Township of Union Police Department, Bob was a practicing attorney. Drawn back to his lifelong passion for law enforcement, he spent nearly the last decade as a director of public safety, first at New Jersey Institute of Technology and most recently at Lafayette College. Bob served as President of the New Jersey College and University Public Safety Association. Bob earned his juris doctor degree from the School of Law at Seton Hall University. He earned his bachelor of arts degree, summa cum laude, from Kean College of New Jersey while serving as a detective. A true man of God, Bob’s drive and ambition were matched by his unadulterated compassion and altruism. During one of his first visits to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bob leapt from the pews to revive an older member of the congregation—an act he later mirrored in the workplace by saving the life of a choking coworker. As a trained Stephen Minister, Bob provided Christ-centered care to individuals in need during a difficult time in their life. Bob also served as President of Clinton Township’s Board of Education, most notably aiding in founding Clinton Township Middle School. The epitome of a family man, Bob was always active—earning his black belt alongside his son and avidly bicycling Hunterdon County’s most challenging paths, frequently on a tandem bicycle with his daughter. Bob also had a passion for music—especially rock and blues—learning to play guitar in his later years. His repertoire even included his and his wife’s wedding song: Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.” Bob was predeceased by his father, Adolph Sabattis, and his mother, Evelyn (Pedecine) Sabattis. He is survived by his wife, Karen Sabattis, and two children, Austin Sabattis and Lindsey Sabattis. Funeral services will be open to all who knew him on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 Highway 31, Flemington NJ, officiated by Pastor Robert Mueller. Cremation will be private on Monday. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday evening at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to leave an online condolence.