My condolences to Bob's family. I was a
student at Regis High School from 1969-1973 and Bob was my
American History teacher during my sophomore year. I remember
the day he stopped in at my podiatry office in Lancaster, Pa.
and when I recognized him and called him "Mr. Sabatelli", the
first thing he said, with a big smile, was, "I'm not your
teacher now, call me Bob". I visited him on occasion, but not
as often as I would have liked. He was an inspiration to me as
a teacher and I will always remember him.
My sincerest sympathies,
Alan Sclafani, DPM
Lancaster, PA
A wonderful man, colleague and friend at Regis
High School when I arrived as a young newly ordained Jesuit.
Rest in peace with your beloved Katherine now, Bob, and thank
you for all the time you gave me and your many colleagues and
students. God bless! God speed!
A wonderful teacher who left an indelible
impression on many generations of young men.
He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
We've been neighbors for almost 10 years and he always watched
out for our kids and looked forward to seeing them every
Halloween! He always had a smile and a positive spirit.
The Buffa's
Lancaster, PA
As a Regian who graduated before "Mr.
Sabatelli" joined the faculty, I'd like to extend my condolences
to his family and to all who loved him. From reports in "The
Regian," it was clear that he was a caring and effective
instructor, and he doubtless affected the lives of many. Rest
in peace.
Rich Costabile, '65
I am one of Bob's innumerable students.
History was never dead for Bob. It as always alive -- the
conflicts, the wars and the movements still ongoing and dramatic
in his retelling. His enthusiasm and understanding of the
vitality of history stays with me to this day. I saw him
socially a few times after that and found him to be as
delightful as company as he was intimidating as a teacher. He
will not be forgotten by his students. My sincerest
condolences.
Mike Verde Regis Class of 1976.
Sincere Condolences on his passing. He was my
teacher in the mid-70s and I still remember him fondly.
Loris Magnani
Mr. Sabatelli was a true inspiration to me as
a student at Regis H.S. from 1988 - 1992. He remains the
greatest history teacher i ever had at any educational level.
He challenged me to be more rigorous in my thoughts, and taught
me the importance of expressing my ideas in a purposeful and
intentional manner. I am ashamed that i didn't seek out Mr.
Sabatelli after we spent some time at my graduation party. I
remain in his debt and will for the rest of my life. My
condolences to his family. I know he's up there somewhere,
talking about WWII. i still have the West Point WWII military
history textbook he let me keep. RIP Mr. Sabatelli.
Bob was the greatest teacher I ever
encountered at any level -- nothing in college or grad school
came close. He taught me to love history, and to love learning
more generally. A great teacher, and a great man. My deepest
sympathies go out to the family.
- Kevin Molloy, Regis '88
I am sorry to hear that Mr. Sabatelli has
passed away. Mr. Sabatelli was an extraordinary teacher who
drove me to improve the way that I thought as a young man. I can
still recall the insights (and criticism) that he gave us in the
classroom. His influence will always be with me.
Gerry Gallagher, class of '86
NYC
To Mr. Sabatelli's family:
I am one of the Regis High School Students who benefited greatly
from Mr. Sabatelli's expert teaching of history. The
intellectually-demanding, highly-stimulating classes by an
always kind and humorous Mr. Sabatelli remain among the most
vivid of my high school experiences. Thank you, Mr. Sabatelli.
I and my family will be praying for the repose of this good
man's soul. Requiem aeternam dona ei Domine, et lux perpetua
luceat ei. Requiescat in pace.
Peter T. Gray '77
I was a student at Regis H.S. from 1974-78 and
would like to extend my sympathy to the Sabatelli family. Mr.
Sabatelli or "Sabu" was one of my favorite teachers and I always
enjoyed our conversations both inside and outside of the
classroom.
God speed my friend
I am a member of the Regis High School class
of 1980. Although I never had Mr. Sabatelli as a teacher, he
always kind to my friends and me. He was a man of strong
intellect, Godly character and good humor. He made Regis a
better place by his presence and legacy.
Regards,
Pat Muldowney '80
Like Alan, I was a student of Mr. Sabatelli's
at Regis and in his Advisor Group (homeroom) in 1982-83. Just
last week I recommended that a colleague's teenage son read "The
Killer Angels," a book Bob used to help us realize that History
happened to folks just like us. He was a great teacher who
challenged us and recognized our talents. And, like other Regis
faculty who have gone before him, he was "an institution." May
he and his wife rest in peace.
Mr. Sabatelli, 20 years ago, was the single
greatest educational influence of my life up to that point, and
remains such to this day. He struck the perfect balance between
being demanding and being encouraging. I have never met anyone
who expected a 15 year old to do so much reading, but I have
also never met so many 15 year olds who found themselves able to
keep up with that reading and learn at a phenomenal pace. No
one could question the commitment of someone who would drive
from PA to the Upper East Side and be there to open the school
on so many days. He was always on the short list (5 or less)
people who I wanted to drive out to find and meet and say hello
and thanks for, and now I am deeply saddened that I will not
have that opportunity. I am gladdened that he now receives his
reward in Heaven and pray that I might see him again in my own
time.
I wish to express my heartfelt condolences for
your loss. I am a 1980 graduate of Regis High School, and Mr.
Sabatelli taught me AP History in my senior year at Regis. I
have bragged to my own children for years about what an awesome
high school history teacher I had who, on the basis only of his
dynamic and inspiration teaching style, prepared me to do well
on my AP History exam without my doing any other preparation for
the test other than taking his class and studying as he
passionately instructed us to do. To this day, I remember him
saying, "Gentlemen, it is a TEXTBOOK! You don't just read it,
you STUDY it!" He was so passionate and dedicated about
teaching us and inspiring us to strive for excellence! He was a
wonderful man and a superb teacher. I have since gone on to get
two degrees from Harvard, complete medical school, and achieve
many other educational accolades. But Mr. Sabatelli has
remained my prototype for an excellent teacher. God Bless Him,
and may he rest in The Lord's eternal peace!! And may God watch
over and bless all of you, his family and loved ones, in your
time of grieving.
Stephen M. Taylor, M.D.
Regis High School, Class of 1980
Mr. Sabatelli made history come alive for me
when I attended Regis in the late 1960's. His enthusiasm for
history has always stayed with me as I continue to pursue the
reading of history as an avocation. Years after my graduation, I
attended a class with him offered to alumni and found him every
bit as exciting and interesting to listen to as I did then. He
was a great teacher!
Richard Esposito
What a great teacher! He inspired me as a
student at Regis (1965-1969) to take his Senior seminar in
History in 1968-69, which enjoyed the unique privilege of
meeting in the wood-paneled Regis Boardroom! "Sabu", as he was
affectionately called by his Senior history students, will
always be remembered by all of us, who came to appreciate his
thoughtful insights, vast knowledge and wry sense of humor. I
miss him already.
Chris Fadden
Regis Class of 1969
I was very saddened to hear of his passing. I
was a Regis student from 1982-1986 and had Mr. Sabatelli as a
history teacher several times. Mr. Sabatelli was by far the high
school teacher who had the greatest impact on me, which is
something that I do not say lightly. I am happy to say that I
had the opportunity to visit him years later and to thank him
for helping me think more critically and clearly, and to strive
for more at every turn. A lot of the traits I like most in
myself, he helped foster.
Mr. Sabatelli changed my life as my teacher at
Regis. Deepest condolences.
My sincere condolences to the Sabatelli
family. I was a student at Regis High School from 1969-1973 and
"Mr. Sabatelli" was one of our most memorable teachers. He
taught history with great passion, enthusiasm and personality.
May he rest in eternal peace. Peter Gordon
Mr. Sabatelli taught me history and did so in
an outstanding manner. I am grateful to have been his student.
He taught us the importance of learning about the past, and not
simply studying the daily newspaper. May he rest in peace.
Fr. Gerald Murray, Regis Class of 1976
Condolences to the Sabatelli family.
I was a student at Regis High School in the late 80s. Among a
group of top-notch teachers, Mr. Sabatelli was one of the most
rigorous and challenging. More than just stimulating, Mr.
Sabatelli treated us as intellectual equals. He challenged us
to think & to engage in a way that none of us had experienced
before. Thinking back upon the general attitude of high school
sophomores, this certainly represented an incredible dedication
to education! It worked. I learned more in Mr. Sabatelli's
classes than in most before or since (including college &
post-grad).
I had Mr. Sabatelli for history at Regis High
School, and he was the first teacher who taught us to question
primary sources, and to think critically about where ideas come
from, why they arise, and how to interpret them. In many ways,
his course introduced me to mature critical thinking, and I have
often thought about him in this context as my career has
progressed. He was fantastic in the classroom, with a
superficial gruffness that belied a devoted and dedicated
teacher and advocate. I am very sad to learn of his death, and
send my best wishes and condolences to his family. Russ Altman
(Regis '79).
Mr. Sabatelli and his family are in my
prayers. The best tribute I can pay to him is to acknowledge how
he inspired me to become a History teacher.
Bob Billings '73
A great teacher during my time at Regis. A
man of sometimes subtle humor who always had time for his
students.
Mr Sabatelli as I and many others at Regis
called him was by far the most engaging teaher I have ever had.
Regis was tough, and he was a tough but fair teacher who made
learning fun. He will sorely be missed.
My time at Regis would have ended in freshman
year if it were not for Mr. Sabatelli's dedication. He made the
effort daily to insure that my grades improved and my
assignments were complete. There was never a moment when "Sabu"
would deny any student access to his wealth of knowledge or
provide his undivided attention. Rest in peace.
Stephen M. Evers '73
A top-notch history teach who will sorely be
missed.
Mr. Sabatelli was one of my most memorable
teachers in high school, college, or grad school. He inspired me
and others with his passion, enthusiasm, and mastery of the
subject. I thank him for his devotion and commitment. He
impacted me deeply.
Gary Mezzatesta Regis '76
As one of the thousands of young men Bob
helped shape at Regis, I will always remember him for his
intellect, his passion, his humor and his heart. The world was a
better place because of Bob. May God be good to him. Hugh
Finnegan '76
Mr. Sabatelli was my history teacher at Regis
('72). He was the most memorable of my teachers there. I can
clearly remember him on the Civil War. Beyond that I often
thought of him since then as a most dedicated man. My
condolences to his family and friends on his passing from this
life to the next.
Mike Schneider '72
Mr. Sabatelli was my history teacher for two
years at Regis, and was the finest educator I've ever had. He
demanded excellence, challenged his students to be better, and
treated us like adults. He gave a damn, about our academics, but
also about us as people. He had a great impact on my life, and I
would go on to major in history in college, though none of my
professors measured up to his example. I know many of my
classmates would echo my feelings. He is missed.
My heartfelt prayers go out to Mr. Sabatelli's
family. I was a student at Regis high scholl from 1982-1986. I
still refer to him Mr. Sabatelli because I have the utmost
respected for him. Out of all of the teachers that I have had
teh benefit fo learning from, he was by the far the one that
stood out -- his passion, his sincerity and for how much he
loved and appreciated teh subject of history. He shall be
missed.
In a school full of teaching legends, Mr.
Sabatelli was one of my favorite and most inspiring teachers.
His enthusiasm for history, his energy and his wry sense of
humor was contagious. I studied history in college and graduate
school in no small part because of what I learned in his
classroom. I remember him best as a genuine, warm and good
person, reflecting the values of Regis so well. I'm so sorry to
hear he's gone - and I hope he knew what an enormous difference
he made in his students' lives. He and his family will be in my
prayers.
Jim Sciutto
Regis '88
I was a student of "Mr. Sabatelli" at Regis
High School from 1974 to 1978, European History. He was a tough
teacher, fair, smart, incredibly well-read, honest, inspiring,
and an all-around great guy - one of my best teachers at Regis,
and that's saying something! I think of him frequently. My
sincerest condolences to you and your family on his passing, he
will be missed.
For all of us, there are one or two teachers
who, across all the years of education, stand out as pushing us
towards maximizing our potential and being all that which a
teacher and mentor is supposed to be. Mr. Sabatelli was such a
teacher and mentor. My thoughts and prayers to you and your
family.
Robert J. Cosgrove, Regis '92.
The toughest teacher I ever had, Mr.Sabatelli
showed me the necessity and value of hard work. Rest in peace
and know there is not a student you taught wh did not benefit
greatly from the experience.
John McArdle
Regis '86
I was a student at Regis High School from
1983-87 and Bob was my favorite teacher there. Anyone who doubts
the enormous impact of teachers have never had one like Bob. He
has helped teach countless generations of young men to think
critically, express their opinions clearly, and behave with
empathy. Bob was truly a great man.
I was a Regis student (class of 1978) and was
blessed to have Mr. Sabatelli teach me American history. He made
quite the impression. He was smart, engaging and challenging
and really knew his stuff. He certainly held your attention.
When I look back on how hard he worked to impact teenagers --
most of whom would not appreciate that effort fully until much
later in life -- you realize how much you owe him. My
condolence to his family.
Pat Fitzgerald (Regis '78)
Chicago, IL
my condolences to surviving friends and family
of Bob Sabatelli,a great teacher and mentor.
He taught at Regis when I was there, 1970-74. after graduation I
found myself in PA, Bob and his wonderful wife Katherine were
hospitalble during my drive through with iced tea and great
conversation and even some wordly advice at a time I needed it.
He was one of my favorite teachers.
While at Regis,as if the school was not challenging enough, we
began speaking backwards (drawkcabs) amd many(especially Jimmy
Cummings) became proficient. Bob was unofficially called "Sabu"
by upper classmen-not sure he knew that. We of course called him
"Ubas",which I believe he did not have a clue about-nor did I
reveal it when I visited. apparently underclassmen called him
that without knowing why either.God Bless you Ubas,we miss
you.The world is not quite the quality it was when you were here
Dr Len Scarpinato,scarpinato.len@cogenthealthcare.com
Among the dozens of truly superior teachers I
encountered while I was a student at Regis, Bob stood out as one
of the best. I pray for the consolation of his family and for
the repose of his soul.
George M. Simon '71
Mr. Sabatelli was one of the legends of
Regis. He was tough in a good way...he had exacting standards
for his students. He expected us to do more than just read and
regurgitate, but think about what we read, enjoy it, and digest
it. My classmates and I mention him often, and will continue to
do so. He made a lasting impression on many young men and his
toughness, enthusiasm, caring and love of learning will
certainly be passed along to many, many youngsters as a
consequence.
I owe my love of history in great part to Mr.
Sabatelli (he could never be "Bob" to me). I'm sure I'm not
alone in saying that his lessons in critical thinking went
beyond the classroom and have forever left an impact on me. My
condolences to his family.
Dan Twohig
Regis Class of 85
My deepest sympathies. I was a student at
Regis and Bob was my American History teacher. There he taught
me to be skeptical and not to believe everything I read in
either newspapers or books. I recall him telling me "Keep
reading and researching. There is more to the story." Even in
the age of the internet, his lessons have served me well. He
will be fondly remembered.
My condolences,
Bob Taschler, '73
Waldwick, NJ
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Sabatelli's
family. He taught my father (class of 1970), so I heard great
things when I started at Regis in 1994. I was lucky enough to be
in one of his last American History class at Regis, and it was
miles beyond even my expectations. Mr. Sabatelli not only taught
subject matter, but also taught us all how to think and
understand on our own. The thousands of students whose minds he
shaped are a fitting legacy for a truly great man.
Steve Esposito
Regis '98
Was a student of Mr. Sabatelli's at Regis in
the late 70's. First person I ever met who actually demanded
that I apply myself, rather than just allowing me to get by on
intelligence and intuition. Took me a while to understand.. but
I finally got it and it has stuck with me forever. I owe a lot
to him...
I Graduated Regis High School in 1973. I was
blessed to have Mr. Sabatelli as a teacher in my senior year. He
was a brilliant teacher whose classes were always exciting. I
send my deepest condolences to his family.
Vincent Ferriola
Mr. Sabetelli was a great man and truly
inspiring teacher, which for me led to a history major amd
(reluctant) habit of paying close attention to rules. I'll never
forget being docked two full grades on a paper for not meeting a
word minimum. He quashed my feeble protest with a stern "you're
just lucky it was a decent paper or this could be a lot worse.".
He brought history alive like no one else, and i can't think of
a event in European history without hearing it narrated in his
strong voice. Any time someone gets too big for his breeches, I
can hear Sabu quoting Blood Sweat and Tears and "what goes up
must come down.". Not Mr. Sabatelli!
I only knew Mr. Sabatelli -- we also called
him "Sabu," affectionately but never in his earshot -- as his
student at Regis High School in the 1980s. I am a professor now
and I consider him one of the most gifted teachers I ever
encountered in all my years of education.
He was especially notable for relating to us as if we were more
intellectually mature than we really were, expecting us to catch
up to him -- and sometimes we did!
May he rest in peace, and I hope his family understands how many
bright young teenagers had their eyes opened to the world by a
class with Sabu.
Mr. Sabatelli was my history teacher at Regis
from 1973 to 1977. He was a larger than life figure who gave me
a life long love for history.I am very sad to hear of his
passing and I extend my sincerest sympathy.
James A.Shanahan, D.O. Regis 77'
Robert Sabatelli was a remarkable teacher of
history and a very important person in my life. I remember quite
vividly my days with him in the classroom. If history was your
subject, he was an inspiration. If it was not, he was simply "Sabu,"
a larger than life figure.
A generation of Regians will mourn his passing; very few will
ever forget him.
My condolences to his family.
Paul Atkinson
Regis '71
Mr. Robert Sabatelli was one of the finest
teachers I have ever had, anywhere. However, he was more than an
intellect. He was real. He spoke and taught not only from his
mind but from his heart. I am grateful that he challenged me to
do my very best. I will miss him. I shall remember his example.
Please accept my condolences, as I remember a very fine man.
--Mark Koltko-Rivera, Ph.D., Regis High School class of 1974
My sincerest condolences to Mr Sabatelli's
family. As a former student of his, I can say that his booming
voice and fearsome reputation made me somewhat reluctant to sign
up for his senior year elective, but there are few individuals
that i can point to who had as big of an impact on me as a
student and eventually as a person. I only wish i had taken some
of his courses sooner.
Mr. Robert V. Sabatelli was my history teacher
at Regis HS in 1972. He had just started teaching then but we
did not know it then. I really truly remember him as one of the
very best teachers at Regis and he had little experience then.
WOW. One funny story. Robert taught a morning and then afternoon
class in Western Civilization. He gave the same daily quiz am
and then pm. I was in the pm class. At lunch I would get the
questions to the quiz. The quiz was 10 short questions like a
date or king or country. Robert caught me by walking around the
room while asking the ten questions. I wrote down the answer to
a question just before he asked it. He just shook his head and
said Mr. Earley. That was it. He changed the quiz policy after
that but never anything else. Robert was a passionate teacher
with great feelings and very clear descriptions and
explanations. I can only now guess that after a few more years
experience he must have been amazing. He was a great man.
I was a student of Mr. Sabatelli at Regis High
School, and he was truly an inspirational teacher. The passion
he brought to the classroom made me love history and school. I
looked forward to seeing him every day. He will be missed.
Bob Sabatelli, lovingly known as "Sabu" to
many of us Regians, was one of the two best teachers I have ever
had in my life.
He had a genuine passion for his subject, and he wanted *you* to
feel that passion. He did so by setting an example for us - not
only a voracious reader in terms of volume, he taught me how to
really *read* a historical document by deconstructing it from
the point of view of its authors. It was an invaluable lesson,
I never looked at history writing the same way again, and to
this day I have an interest in historical writing that would not
exist without his influence.
I can only imagine how subsequent generations of Regians were
shaped by his influence. Thank you, Bob, for the legacy of your
students, including myself.
Armando Fox, Regis '86
Mr. Sabatelli taught me in Regis High School
in the early 70's and was one of the first teachers I had that
really taught me how to think. I recall how he taught his
classes like Socrates did - pushing us with question after
question, encouraging us to figure things out for ourselves, and
to always think beyond the obvious. As young men just beginning
to open up intellectually, he helped us "catch fire" with the
excitement of new ideas.
Though I never studied history formally after high school, he
created a love of the subject in me that has led to a lifelong
interest in learning and led me to read widely in the subject.
Over the years I have taught hundreds of workshops and trainings
and always find myself unconsciously imitating his teaching
methods and consciously trying to communicate the kind of
enthusiasm he shared with us.
I am sad at his passing. He was a fine teacher who helped push
me into a life where reflection and analysis are valued. I know
he impacted many with his wisdom and insights.
James DiMartini Mandala, Ph.D.
Regis High School Class of 1974
Bob kindly agreed to mentor an independent
study project for me at Regis over 30 years ago and I remember
his generosity with gratitude.
Bob Hay
The entire Regis community grieves the passing
of one of the All Stars of the faculty. "Sabu" was significant
in my life well beyond his influencing me to major in History as
an undergraduate. His very evident love of learning and
encouragement of thoughtful intellectual discourse are very
memorable for me. He stands out among the many excellent
teachers with whom I had the opportunity to interact while at
Regis and later in other academic settings. His impact on
generations of Regis students was great and long-lasting.
Bill Greiter
Regis - Class of 1972
As a student in his European History class in
1972, I vividly recall Mr. Sabatelli as a no-nonsense guy who
was passionate about his subject. His enthusiasm was
infectious, and I'll remember him as a guy that made my time at
Regis a great one ....Jim Murphy
I would like to express my deepest condolences
to the family of Mr. Sabatelli. He was a great and memorable
teacher at Regis and many of his statements and comments have
stayed with me throughout the years. He will be missed greatly.
Richard Lin, Class of 94.
"Mr. Sabatelli," as he was known to us, was an
inspired teacher. He taught with passion for his subject and
with a desire to instill that passion in his students. He
challenged us with smart and sophisticated texts illuminated by
dynamic, socratic classroom sessions. From where we were
sitting, teaching -- and teaching within the Jesuit tradition --
was a vocation in the truest sense of that word. He was a
wonderful example for us, and we were blessed to have been able
to call him our teacher.
Mr Sabitelli was not only one of our four
rotating history masters in Junior year, but also the homeroom
teacher who presented my one and only Merit Card in my Regis
academic career. Always engaging and exceedingly witty, some of
his comments remain with me to this day, and I must confess to
pirating some of them during my own brief teaching career.
Go with God, Sabu.
Larry Gertner, '71
I was Mr. Sabatelli's student for three of my
four years at Regis. He was one of the finest teachers I have
ever had, and remains an inspiration to me in my own teaching to
this day. In addition to fostering my love of history, he truly
taught me how to reason. Additionally, he was a "character" of
the first order. When I had health problems and had to take a
leave of absence from college for one year, he, along with so
many Regis faculty, were truly concerned. I last saw him in
2004, at our ten-year reunion, and I hope he left that gathering
with a sense of how much he had affected our lives. Godspeed,
Sabu!
Gratefully,
Frank Martignetti '94
Honesty, integrity, forthrightness. He once
told my history class: "You're supposed to be the nice year?
You're not so nice." I don't remember much from 35 years ago,
but I remember that and I remember the man who said it. For such
as him, I hope the promise is true. Andy Merola '76
A great teacher and someone who showed his
students what it means to be a "a man for others."
- Another thankful Regis grad
God Bless Mr. Sabatelli. Your passion for
History has always stayed with me. Thank you.
F Joanlanne -Class of '84.
As a Regis student from 1978-82. Mr Sabatelli
taught me American History in my sophomore year. I loved his
teaching so much that I took several electives as a senior with
him. To this day I love American History and it is a direct
result of his insight and passion for the subject. I cannot
read anything written about the US Constitution without hearing
Mr. Sabatelli's voice saying "GO TO THE TEXT!" - Joe Peiser,
Regis "82
Mr. Sabatelli was a dedicated teacher who
demanded the best from his students. His European History class
was one of the most influential in my time at Regis because of
his enthusiasm for the subject. In my senior year I actually
made the honor roll, and he not only congratulated me on the
accomplishment, but got me to sheepishly admit that it was the
hardest I worked in my time at Regis. I never forgot the
handshake that was both a reward and a gentle prod to continue
to do my best. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Bob was indeed a great teacher, but he was an
absolutely wonderful friend. His intellectual interests went
well beyond the study of History. His affection for his friends
included affection for our spouses and children. I am proud and
lucky to have been his student, his colleague, and his friend.
Tom Hannon, Regis '76
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr.
Sabatelli, a superb history teacher. Deepest condolences to his
family.
I had the distinct honor and pleasure to have
been taught by one of the greatest teachers that I have ever
seen, Robert Sabatelli, from 1974-78. He was truly dedicated,
always challenging, and a great big bear of a man that demanded
your attention. He would make you THINK, a rare thing indeed in
a H.S. teacher, and would not let you be uninvolved.
I offer my sincerest regrets to his family on their loss, but
may they be glad in knowing that thousands of young minds
matured thanks to his unselfish, unrelenting, stimulation. He
was the epitome of what a history teacher should be, and a fine
gentleman as well.
God bless, and rest in peace, Bob.
Nick D'Avanzo, MD, '78
My condolences to Mr. Sabatelli's family for
their loss. I was blessed to have Mr. Sabatelli as my American
history teacher during my sophomore year at Regis. He was an
outstanding teacher and a great man.
During my senior year at Williams College, three of my Regis
classmates (Scott Moringiello, Osterman Perez, and Ricardo
Tapia) and I nominated Mr. Sabatelli for an annual prize that
Williams awards at graduation to high school teachers who had a
lasting impact on their students.
Mr. Sabatelli was nominated for this prize year after year by
Regians but it was - unfortunately and unjustly - never awarded
to him. To honor him, we took out a full-page ad in the
commencement edition of the college's newspaper and sent Mr.
Sabatelli a framed copy, which he hung in his home. The ad read
as follows. I think it speaks for 30 years of Regians who were
lucky enough to have him as a teacher. May he rest in peace.
WE ARE PROUD IN THE YEAR 2001 TO ADD OUR NAMES TO THOSE WHO YEAR
AFTER YEAR, NOMINATED MR. ROBERT SABATELLI, TEACHER OF HISTORY
REGIS HIGH SCHOOL, NEW YORK, NY FOR THE OLMSTEAD PRIZE FOR
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING.
ALTHOUGH HE IS THE MOST NOMINATED TEACHER IN WILLIAMS COLLEGE
HISTORY HE HAS NEVER BEEN SELECTED FOR THIS HONOR EXCEPT IN OUR
MINDS, HEARTS AND MEMORIES.
THANK YOU, MR. SABATELLI. YOU'RE A TRUE "MAN FOR OTHERS"
Very respectfully,
Dan Sullivan '97
The greatest of condolences to the family of a
great man. Take comfort and pride in the fact that he has not
only affected those who he encountered in person, but also the
generations to come. Mr Sabatelli taught not only history, but
critical thinking. My own children have been regaled with the
lessons I learned from him, and the way to approach history,
with direct attribution to the source. My kids have heard often,
during their education, of what the great "Sabu" would say, and
have benefited greatly. On my shelf, not so much for its
content, but for its personal meaning to me, is Ambrose's "Rise
to Globalism". I have read it, and my notes, over the years. I
will take it up again tonight, and be critical, and give the
good man a smile wherever he is..... L. G. Herbert, M.D., '76
I had the good fortune to have Mr. Sabatelli
teach me history for two years at Regis. The impact of such a
gifted and dedicated teacher at such a time cannot be measured.
I majored in American History in college, but I never could
replicate what Mr. Sabatelli and the Regis history department
provided- either in college or graduate school. Mr. Sabatelli,
and other amazing teachers at Regis, helped me to love
learning. A wonderful man and teacher. My condolences to his
family.
Jim O'Rourke '87
My deepest condolences to the Sabatelli
family. I first met him as one of my interviewers when applying
to Regis, and as I came to know him as a student, I found that
he was one of the best teachers I ever had. He inspired me to
look beyond my almost single-minded interest in other fields of
study to take a broader view of the world and all it had to
offer. He was a great influence, and I am certain that I am a
better person for having known him.
Thank you for the many gifts you gave to us, Mr. Sabatelli.
One of the Regis all time greats!!! If he had
a number it would be retired. An incredibly skilled educator,
he was everything you could have hoped for in your high school
history teacher.. deep fund of knowledge, very engaging, very
animated, always making time for you, no matter what it was
about. And he always pushed you to excel, and expand your mind,
and at the end of the day you wanted to be as good as he was..
and he was truly excellent. With deepest condolences to Bob and
his family, I am sorry he is gone. I consider myself fortunate
to have interacted with him for that short period. He never did
quite forgive me for leaving history for medicine.. but with
that unique blend of sarcasm and respect, one of his many
endearing qualities. God bless you Bob.
E. Kuczynski '92
Mr. Sabatelli was a phenomenal teacher. He
expected a lot, but he gave much, much more, whether in the
classroom or just chatting in the History Resource Center. He
constantly challenged us all to share his love of learning and
of excellence, and I am the better for it.
I am very sorry to hear of his loss.
Pat Kelly Regis '85
I WAS A STUDENT OF "UBAS" DURING THE EARLY
'70'S. I TOO WAS A "BIG BOY" AND MR.SABATEELI TAUGHT ME AND
SHOWED ME THAT IT THE INNER SIZE OF YOUR HEART AND SPIRIT THAT
SHOWED HOW YOU CAN BE A MAN. TO THIS DAY I ALWAYS SEEM TO HAVE
HAD STORIES ABOUT HIM AND HIS QUIET ANTICS. HE ALWAYS KNEW HOW
TO FIND ME AND HELP ME WHEN I NEDED HIM THE MOST. I TOO SHARE IN
YOUR LOSS BUT REJOICE IN THE FACT THAT I KNEW HIM.
SINCERELY,
RAYMOND P. GIRNYS,M.D.,FACS
I can only echo, with sadness and affection,
the tributes to Mr. Sabatelli voiced by my brother Regians here.
From his witty explanation of "subinfeudation" to a roomful of
clueless freshmen, to his senior seminar on nationalism--where
he expected us not just to read, but to understand and evaluate
Hans Kohn--Mr. Sabatelli each day gave us the gift of his great
mind and immense heart. He exemplified magis, and taught us not
just history, but more: know your stuff, and be a mensch. Thank
you, Mr. Sabatelli. Thank you, and condolences to all who loved
you and miss you.
Stu Schoder '71
Chicago, IL
When I took Mr. Sabatelli's History of
Strategy Class back in 1990, I had no idea how valuable it would
turn out to be. I was not planning on joining up back then.
After I did join, and decided to get a commission at Officer
Candidate School, what I learned from Mr. Sabatelli's class all
those years before put me on equal footing with guys that went
to ROTC. I'm a better leader today because of the foundation
that class gave me.
MAJ Tim Kelly
Regis Class of 1991
There is not a thing I can say that hasn't
already been said. Sabu was a formidable and inspiring man in
every sense. My sympathies to his family and friends. He will
be missed but not forgotten.
Mike Milito
Regis, '73
I had the honor of being in Mr. Sabatelli's
history class at Regis High School. I was awed by his intellect,
and his larger than life persona. I recall him asking a student,
"Mr. Zender do I scare you?" To which Mr. Zender replied, "Yes."
I too was a bit scared. I didn't think I could ever live up to
the expectations he had for me. But Mr. Sabatelli knew that I
could. He challenged me non-stop and helped bring out the best
in me. So much so that I eventually elected to have classes with
him. This summer I choose "The Rise and Fall of the Great
Powers" as my beach reading. I hope Mr. Sabatelli would be
proud.
My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Marco Ricci '89
Mr. Sabatelli had a tremendous influence on my
young life as he encouraged me to pursue my passion for history
which had been ignited in his classroom. He was an incredible,
passionate teacher and I feel truly blessed to have had the
honor of being one of his students.
Jeremiah Sullivan, Regis Class of 1980
A great teacher who taught history with a
passion. He encouraged us,not to just accept the conventional
wisdom, but to think for ourselves. I was blessed to have him.
RIP.
Steve Tranchina '75
Mr. Sabatelli and Mr. Connelly loomed large in
sophomore year. Their styles differed, but both were
tremendously effective. I remember visiting Mr. Sabatelli at
Regis during my first year at college, and being surprised at
and gratified by the genuine interest he took in my progress.
Ave atque vale.
-- Bob McCormick 1974
To Bob's family, my deepest condolences. I was
lucky enough to be a student of Bob in the mid-70s, another time
of stormy national soul-searching. Bob's foreign policy course
was mind-broadening - not only for the apt content but, most of
all, for his demanding, critical, in-your-face teaching style.
When people ask me where I went to university, my first answer
is "Regis High School," because at Regis I already had
challenging, college-caliber courses. Bob's course was an
example of that caliber. His passion, his belief that reasoned
skepticism is a healthy thing and his principle that one should
be ready to thoughtfully back up one's opinions educated in me
abiding respect not only for the lessons of history but also for
intellectual give-and-take. In these uncertain times of our
country I wish that we had a league of Bob Sabatelli's out
there. Thank you, Bob, God bless you, and rest in peace.
Bob Sabatelli was the embodiment of teaching
excellence -- firm, uncompromising, and absolutely dedicated to
making his students think for themselves. Beneath that sometimes
gruff exterior beat the heart of a man who lived with great
generosity his vocation to bring out the best in his students. I
add my thanks to the long list of Regians who honor "Sabu" at
his passing. May he rest in peace, and may his loved ones
rejoice in the legacy of a life well lived.
Peter O'Driscoll '80
I was fortunate enough to be in Mr.
Sabatelli's American History class as a Sophomore at Regis. One
of his rules was that every student had to say something in
every class, which is a smart rule if you want to keep a room
full of sleepy 15-year-olds engaged. He had an uncanny knack of
knowing, as the end of class approached, who had yet to
contribute. Believe me, you did not want to be the last to speak
up in his class.
Because he valued such student participation and encouraged this
conversation to drive our learning, we sometimes fell behind in
covering the course material. So he would say, "OK, for the
next two classes, I am going to talk and you are going to listen
and take notes." He would then launch into the most fascinating,
learned and inspiring lectures I have ever experienced at any
level of education. I still have my notes from those classes
and occasionally read them just to bring myself back under his
spell. Simply an amazing educator and person.
Thank you, Mr. Sabatelli. May you rest in peace and with the
knowledge that you positively affected thousands of lives.
I was a student of Mr. Sabatelli during my
junior and senior years at Regis. He pushed me harder than any
teacher I've ever had, and the lessons that he taught me --
about hard work, critical thinking, and intellectual skepticism
-- have stayed with me throughout my life. He left an
unforgettable impression, and I was lucky to be his student. My
deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Danny Habib '96
My sincere condolences to the family and all
former students of Mr. Sabatelli. He was an intelligent,
dynamic teacher with a no-nonsense reputation, and I was
intimidated upon first entering his class. I soon realized that
he was one of those truly rare teachers who taught much more
than the featured subject, and enjoyed every minute of every
class. He had an enormous impact on me, for which I am deeply
grateful.
Richard Nuzzi, DC '75
Robert Sabatelli was one of the two or three
most influential teachers of my life. Smart, with a commanding
presence that brought immense gravitas to our reading of
history, lightened and sweetened by a sharp, wry sense of humor.
He taught us to question not only the world, but written
accounts of that world. To know history, we not only had to
learn what had happened, but what people thought and said about
what had happened, because it is interpretation of the past that
drives the future, and in the never-ending chain of cause and
effect, we were products of what we were studying. One couldn't
help but get drawn in. I can only imagine the exhilarating
discussions he's provoking now that he's among the giants of the
past. I imagine Robespierre is in for a good rap on the head
with a heavy Fordham class ring.
Mr. Sabatelli was far and away the best
teacher I ever had, surpassing any of my college professors, and
his Modern Mass Movements class, which I had the privilege of
taking as a senior at Regis, remains the standard against which
all other courses are judged. What stands out in my memory is
not just Mr. Sababelli's deep and discerning knowledge of world
history, nor his boundless passion for the subject, but the high
expectations he had for every student in his class, and his
confidence in our ability -- as 17 year olds -- to tackle books
by Hannah Arendt and Barrington Moore.
My prayers go out to his family. Please know that he had a
profound impact on the intellectual formation of thousands of
young men, and we will always be grateful that his path crossed
ours.
John Hopkins '75
Good thoughts and prayers from a very grateful
student.
Jonathan Lucas, Ph.D.
Class of 1980
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Sabatelli's
passing. He was my favorite teacher at Regis High School. His
teaching was a factor in my decision to be a history major in
college and to continue reading history today.
Michael Molyneux, Regis '72
Mr Sabatelli was one of the most amazing
teachers I have ever had. His passion, wisdom, energy, and
drive were contagious, and I learned so many things from him
that I will never forget for the rest of my life. An amazing
mentor and person, Mr Sabatelli had a profound influence on so
many Regians, including mine. My heartfelt condolences to his
family, he is in our prayers and will never be forgotten.
David Capiola, Class of '93
I attended Regis 1966-1970 and had Mr.
Sabatelli as my teacher. His name came up at our last (40th)
Class Reunion. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to
your Family.
Tomas O Dalaigh (Thomas J. Daly III), Class of 1970
Bob was a gentleman and a scholar. I enjoyed
serving with him on the Library System of Lancaster County's
Board of Trustees.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Virginia McGrath
Adamstown, PA
As one of his students from the early 1970s at
Regis High School, I thought he was one of the best teachers I
had on any level. He challenged us to think for ourselves, to
realize not only what had happened but why it had happened. He
was a good teacher and a good man. I am better off for having
learned from him; the world is diminished because he's not here
any more.
John Kreiser
Regis High School, Class of '72
My sincerest condolences. He was a great
teacher and a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of
participating in and being challenged by Mr. Sabatelli's senior
foreign policy course at Regis in 1975/76, opening my eyes to
the whole realm of international affairs - leading to 25+ years
in international banking in Asia. I can honestly say that, had
it not been for him, I would not be where I am today. God bless
and rest in peace.
Peter Moerler '76
My sincere condolences to the family of Bob
Sabatelli, our beloved "Sabu" who beneath his imposing presence
was a passionate and warm teacher and man. The Class of '78 was
blessed with many great teachers who remained close to us after
graduation, and we were honored when Bob came to our 25th
reunion after he had already retired from Regis and moved to
PA. He was truly a "man for others" and embodied everything
that made our Regis experience so wonderful. May he rest in
peace.
Bernie Kilkelly '78
To leverage a fellow student's turn of phrase,
he "left an indelible impression" on me, helping to inspire a
lifetime love of history. Sincere condolences to Mr.
Sabatelli's family.
Al Pastro (Regis '80)
I had the pleasure, along with a number of
other young men, of having the fear of God and a love of history
instilled in me by Robert Sabatelli aka Sabu aka Ubas.
American history between the wars and H.L. Mencken and the "booboisie."
Then a three-man WWII seminar taught by the great man and study
of the two-ocean war as a minor wargamer.
Bluster surrounding a love of, and talent for, teaching. A
memorable man after many years.
Hail and farewell to a fine teacher.
Jose Garriga '76
Mr. Sabatelli was an extraordinary teacher and
I always think of the way he encouraged discussion and critical
thinking as exactly what truly distinguished learning and
teaching at Regis from any other educational experience I have
had. I remember that it was so important to him that we be
engaged that he would throw open the windows in the middle of a
cold New York winter so that no one would drift off. And it
worked! I am glad that I had the opportunity to know and learn
from him. My condolences to his family.
- Paul Henninger '93
I can't imagine having gone through four years
at Regis without Mr. Sabatelli as a teacher, and it's impossible
to reflect on my time there without thinking of him. No teacher
inspired me more to give my best -- it was often equal parts
motivation, fear, and the desire not to disappoint him that did
it. As a teacher now, it seems inconceivable to be even half as
much of an inspirational presence to my students as he was to so
many of us.
Rest in peace, Mr. Sabatelli.
Basil Kolani '94
My words and thoughts echo those of my fellow
Regians. God bless you and keep you, Mr. Sabatelli. Thank you,
from one of your many.
John Pacor '92
I had the privilege of being a student in Mr.
Sabatelli's Mideval European History class for one semester
during my Sophomore year. Many of my own thoughts would only
mirror those of fellow alums who have preceded me in these pages
so I will simply say that his passion and enthusiasm for
teaching were apparent for all and made, what was at the time,
one disinterested and immature teenager always take extra effort
preparing for his class and always sorry when our class time was
done for the day. His passing is a loss to us all.
Brian A. Abamont '94
He was the best teacher I ever had. Bob
Sabatelli turned my life around when I was in high school at
Regis from 1979-1983, instilling in me a belief that I could
learn anything I wanted to, awakening in me a love of learning
that has carried me to great successes in my life. I feel very
fortunate that I had the chance to thank him several times over
the years. He was one of the few great mentors in my life, and
I'll miss terribly knowing he's still around.
My condolences. He was a great, great man.
Anthony A. Hauck
Regis High School '83
Mr. Sabatelli made me care about learning.
Initially, I may have studied in his classes because I did not
want to disappoint him (though I'm also certain that I studied
because I feared disappointing him). But ultimately, I invested
so much in his classes because I did not want to disappoint
myself.
That is the great lesson Mr. Sabatelli taught me. Learning
(History, for Mr. Sabatelli)requires that the individual invest
himself in the work before him. It is a lesson that I, and so
many classmates, have carried with us from Mr. Sabatelli's
classroom.
God Bless and Thank You.
Michael O'Hagan '83
How will I ever forget the way you taught
history, your style, your personality? I owe you a great debt
for teaching me how to read critically and to love learning for
learning's sake. I will miss you, but most of all, I will
remember you. My condolences to the Sabatelli family.
- John James '93
I can still hear Mr. Sabatelli pounding on his
desk in the front of the room, shouting, "History moves slowly!"
His class was tremendous. He made us laugh, he terrified us, and
he taught us to think for ourselves. I'm sad to hear that he's
gone. I hope he knew how much he meant to all Regians, and the
deep impact he's had on so many lives.
Nick Marinacci
Regis '92
I am grateful that I was a student of Mr.
Sabatelli’s at Regis in the late 1970’s. He was the best
teacher I have ever had, at any level. His passion, high
expectations, and demand for critical thinking continue to
inspire me. I was honored to introduce Mr. Sabatelli to my wife
several years ago, and I have told our kids that one of my hopes
for their education is that they be lucky enough to have a
teacher or two that has the life-long impact that Mr. Sabatelli
has had on me and many of my fellow Regians.
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Sabatelli’s family.
Thank you, Mr. Sabatelli.
Fabian Fondriest ‘79
Mr. Sabatelli was a wonderful teacher who made
my four years of Regis the most intellectually challenging years
of my life. It is because of men like him that I learned the
value of effort and striving for excellence. He was an example
to us all of how to live your life well and leave a legacy.
Ned Heiskell
Class of '83
It has been 21 years since I graduated Regis,
but I still can only refer to him at Mr Sabatelli, not Bob.
"Paginating" Modern Times seemed overkill at the time, but as
the years have passed my appreciation of Mr Sabatelli's passion
for history and commitment to teaching has only grown. His
imprint on my life is indelible and his influence is one of the
greatest things about my Regis experience. RIP, Mr Sabatelli,
you will continue to make a difference in my life.
Bill Porter
Regis 1990
A fine man and a fine teacher, he will be
greatly missed. At Regis, Bob inspired us (and often awed us,
in the old-fashioned sense) with his erudition, his sense of
rigor, his intellectual integrity, and the force of his
personality. I still hear his voice in my head, advising "LOOK
AT THE DOCUMENT, GENTLEMEN." He was a marvelous inspiration and
example. There can be no doubt that his reward in Christ is
great.
Dan McGrath, Regis '82
Echoing my fellow Regians, Mr Sabatelli was
probably one of the better educators I had the opportunity to
spend time in their classroom -- HS, university and graduate
school. He cared about his students and really stretched us to
think and communicate effectively. He will be missed.
Paul Manwell '95
WE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE BOTH BOB AND
KATHERINE AS FRIENDS WHEN MY HUSBAND, JACK MCGOVERN WAS THE
BUILDING MANAGER AT REGIS HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 80'S AND 90'S. HAVE
FOND MEMORIES OF LUNCH AND DINNER WITH THEM. AND A TRIP TO
SHEPHERDSTOWN,AND WILLIAMSBURG. LOTS OF LAUGHS AND FUN WITH
BOTH.
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
JACK AND MARYJANE MCGOVERN
I was fortunate enough to be in the first
class of Regis High School students taught by Mr. Sabatelli. He
arrived at Regis in the fall of 1967 and taught a World History
course to my senior class. Within a week, we referred to him as
"Sabu"; within two weeks, we had an extraordinary number of
student-mimics imitating his unique, aggressive teaching style.
But after that stuff was out of the way, what came through was
his knowledge, passion and humanity. I can honestly say that
until that year, I regarded history as merely a crazy-quilt
jumble of facts and dates to be memorized. Mr. Sabatelli
introduced, to me at least, the idea that history is not so
cut-and-dried, but rather an interpretive enterprise, in which
different observers or authors can have varying takes on
events. In later years, I stayed connected to the school
through my two sons (who graduated from Regis) and my
brother-in-law (who graduated from and later taught at Regis),
and I knew that Mr. Sabatelli developed into one of the greatest
teachers in the school's near-100-year history. It was with
great sadness that I learned of his passing; my condolences to
his family, his friends, and to my colleagues in the Regis
community.
Steve Hirdt '68
Mr. Sabatelli will always live on in the
memories of those of us to whom he taught "real history". His
brilliance and passion brought out the best in all of us.
Bob Seymour, Regis '76
My condolences to the Sabatelli family. I was
a student of Mr. Sabatelli at Regis High School, class of '79.
He was truly inspirational and as many of my classmates and
fellow Regians have expressed online Mr. Sabatelli was not only
a great teacher and passionate about history, he was a great
role model and an outstanding human being. I was interviewed by
Mr. Sabatelli during the Regis acceptance process and I truly
believe that our long discussion about history during the
interview (I did not know he was a history teacher at that time)
is a major reason I was accepted and attended Regis High
School.
Rest in peace.
Dominic Sorresso
I was one of Mr. Sabatelli's students during
his first year at Regis (1967-68) when we started what
apparently became a tradition of calling him "Sabu." It was an
honorific title bestowed with great affection.
He was a truly gifted and demanding teacher with great passion
and zeal for his subject and his students. His communication
skills were superb with just that added bit of eccentricity
which maintains a student's attention and interest over many
months. The phrase "part and parcel" will forever be his
property in my mind.
He helped to engender in me a life long interest in history
(particularly civil wars) and a passion for visiting
battlefields around the world. Thank you Mr. Sabatelli, and my
deepest condolences to his family.
Brian Wynne
Class of 1968
Mr. Sabatelli was one of the greats:
Bombastic, larger than life, inspirational, rigorous. He opened
my mind. We offer our condolences and we share your loss.
Once offering: He grew up in an apartment in the Bronx upstairs
from that of my family. He and my oldest brother used to tussle,
until my brother hit him with a toy fire truck. "Sabu" never
hesitated to remind me of this incident in class, when he needed
to cut me down a peg.
Luke Garvey, Regis '71
How wonderful it is that you touch so many
lives when you are a teacher. Small wonder Jesus was called
"Teacher" by his friends. The best part of the Regis experience
was that the students respected and admired the men and women
who stood at the front of the classrooms. And no one was more
admired for his passion, for his intellect, and his caring than
Mr. Sabatelli. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.
Joe Santi '75
I cannot add anything more to what my fellow
Regians have already stated. I believe the fact that so many
folks have such vivid memories of Mr. Sabatelli speaks to his
formidable impact on our young lives. I offer my condolences
and prayers.
Dear Mrs. Campisi, I was one of your brother's
first students when he began at Regis in our Senior year.
Teenagers have no recognition of age. It comes as a surprise,
even now that he was only 9 years older than we. Mr. Sabatelli
was well respected and well liked by his students. He had a
lasting effect upon us as students of history. I still read
histories today! Bless him and all of your family. Very truly
yours, Joseph M. Jabbour, M.D. Regis class of 1968.
info@DrJosephJabbour.com
My sincere condolences to the family. Bob was
an extraordinary teacher and a great man. I was fortunate to
have him for American History and a senior seminar in which we
met one-on-one to discuss a new book every week ("History
through Literature"). Bob's rigor, scholarship and caring
impressed me to no end and inspired me to become a history
major. To top it off, he had a wonderful sense of humor (and a
decent swing at the plate during the annual softball game at
Bear Mt.) "Sabu" will not come this way again.
Warm regards, Dennis McCooe, Regis '82
One of the best things that ever happened to
me at Regis, was being taught by this wonderful man. He will be
missed
Mario Bruschi, Class of 1995
I would like to extend my sincere condolences
to the family of Mr Sabatelli. As a physician, I say that the
best education I received in all my years of schooling was at
Regis, and Mr Sabatelli was one of the best teachers I had
there. He had such an influence on so many lives, that is an
amazing legacy.
Paul Sovran MD '71
What a beautiful tribute that so many men
remember "Sabu" so fondly thirty, even forty years after he
taught them at at Regis. Like my classmate, Chris Fadden I had
the privilege to take his Senior seminar in History in 1968-69,
which met in the wood-paneled Regis Boardroom. I cannot recall a
more enlightening seminar through my following seven years of
higher education. It is shocking to think how young he was then
and how early it was in his teaching career. Rest well Mr.
Sabatelli. We are all better for having known you!
Peter Tomao
Regis - 1969
My deepest condolences to the Sabatelli
family. Mr. Sabatelli taught an American Foreign Policy course
as a senior elective at Regis that ranks as one of the most
interesting and well-taught courses I had the privilege of
taking at Regis or even later as a history major in college. I
still to this day think there was an element of Vince Lombardi
in Mr. Sabatelli - though I think he embraced the student
perception of him as a tough and imposing teacher so that he
could succeed in his mission to get us to think critically about
history and beyond. However, the other side of Mr. Sabatelli is
the one that still sticks with me – the quick wit and the big
personality to go along with a deep concern for his students.
To me, Mr. Sabatelli was an incredibly dedicated teacher who
loved what he did and brought his best every day, expecting only
the same from his students. I think the many testimonials
attest to his incredible impact there.
John Barrett - Regis ‘92
Mr. Sabatelli was a wonderful teacher and a
great person. It's difficult for me to add much to the thoughts
already expressed on this page. As I get older, I have realized
that few people can leave an indelibly positive impression on so
many. Mr. Sabatelli was one of the few. We are better men for
having had "Sabu" in our lives.
God bless, and my condolences to his family.
Matthew Dowd (Regis '89)
It's very moving to read all these tributes by
Mr. Sabatelli's former students, and I hope his family can take
consolation in the transformative effect he had over the years
on so many young people's lives. As yet another student during
"Sabu"'s initial year at Regis, I thrilled to his vivid and
impassioned chronicles of American history. Like others, I also
learned from him that history was not a fixed narrative but a
subject of interpretation and debate on questions of enduring
importance. Without quite realizing it at the time, I became
hooked on history and, after trying out other subjects, I ended
up as a graduate student and then a professor of U.S. history
myself. I owe this beloved man a tremendous debt, not just for
the specific subject he taught but for his passion for the
intellectual life and for his care for the students under his
charge.
Carl Guarneri, Regis Class of '68
Bob and I attended Fordham, majoring in
History and Philosophy. We graduated in 1961 and went our
separate ways. Many years later our paths crossed in Smithtown,
New York where I met his wife. Although we continued on our
separate life paths, I treasured my time at Fordham with Bob.
He will be missed, but not forgotten. Condolences to the
family.
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