Obituary of Robert F. Shabala, Sr.

Allegany, NY- Robert F. Shabala, Sr. passed away Sunday (April 7, 2024) surrounded by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. Born October 15, 1939, in Olean he was the son of Joseph and Mary Clare Donnelly Shabala. On February 20, 1965, at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany,he married Eileen Barr who survives. Bob was a 1957 graduate of Olean High School. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 1962 and served until 1968. He was employed at Troyer Farms as a salesmen for 25 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Allegany Knights of Columbus Council 1220. What Bob loved most of all was spending time with his kids and grandkids. whether it be playing shove it or left-right-center, sitting by a fire, or taking them to his favorite places. As long as his family was there, he was smiling with pride. He led a life filled with adventure, discovering beauty and fun wherever he went. Some of his highlights were his trips to Las Vegas, playing poker games with his buddies, and of course taking people to Benezette to see the Elk. Bob had a love for going to concerts, his favorites being Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Billy Joel whom he saw several times. In his free time, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He eagerly shared the incredible experiences of his life with everyone, backed by stories that could captivate for a lifetime. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Robert (Elizabeth) Shabala, Jr. of Williamsville, Lisa (Richard) Lindamer of Lewiston, and Tina (Ron) Jakubczyk of Allegany; grandchildren Emma Shabala, Hannah Shabala, Lexi Lindamer, Sophie Lindamer, Ronnie Jakubczyk, and Mallory Jakubczyk; his siblings Willam (the late Alice) Shabala of Allegany, Ann (the late Pete) Cole of Allegany, David (Joanie) Shabala of Olean, Kay (Bob) Reynolds of Allegany, and Susan Phearsdorf of Olean; 2 brothers-in-law Terry Brennan of Allegany and Daniel (Sharon) Barr of Olean, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Paul Shabala, and 2 sisters Judy Brennan and Mary Shabala; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and 2 special aunts and uncles Paul and Betsy Donnelly and Marion and Leo Zengerle. Friends will be received on Thursday (April 11, 2024) from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Casey, Halwig, and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Road, Olean. A memorial mass will be held on Friday (April 12, 2024) at 10 am at St. Bonaventure Church, 95 E. Main St., Allegany. Military honors will be accorded at the church by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 ritual team. In lieu of flowers, memorials if desired may be made to Allegany EMS 10 N 1st, Allegany, NY, 14706, Allegany Knights of Columbus Council #1220, 1 W. Main St, Allegany, NY, 14706, or to a charity of the donor choice.