July 23, 2023

So sorry to hear of your loss. Bob was a good friend. We discussed a lot of politics together. We shared a lot of the same views. I will miss him. Rest In Peace Bob. Susan Hood Bautz

May 15, 2018

If it weren’t for Bob Sabatelli , I never would have graduated from Regis.  In the middle of senior year, I was in a serious auto accident and missed most of the second half of that year.  At the time, I lived out in Northport and Bob lived in Commack, I believe. He would visit me several times during the three months I spent in the hospital.  He managed to get all my teachers to provide a syllabus for me to finish out the year.  I took my SAT’s in the hospital.  While I loved him as a teacher, that love deepened greatly during those months in senior year.  Much of who I am today I owe to Bob Sabatelli.  I’ll remember you always.
Dennis Petito ‘71

April 01, 2017

Although this comes many years after Mr. Sabetelli’s passing, I have many fond memories.  He was THE BEST teacher I ever had.  “Don’t look at me, look at the material!” He challenged me to do my best, to think on my feet, to be clear and thorough in my verbal and written expression.
Gerry DiDonato ’77

September 21, 2016

Mr. Sabatelli was the the teacher who had the greatest influence on me in my life, bar none.  He constantly pushed us (and me) to do better, to be better; the work ethic he instilled in us is something I still aspire to every day.  His enthusiam for the subject matter was truly infectious. I started out a miserable student of his, nearly flunking out; two years later I had crawled back to be (I flatter myself) one of his best-I made that transition with the aid of his tireless help and spurred on by his constant challenges.  I’ll remember him forever. 
Nick Gugliuzza ’93

August 29, 2016

Eh.
 
Luis Barerra – ’98

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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′

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