Robert A. Sabolefski

We are sad to share that Bob Sabolefski, 78, of Templeton, MA, died Sunday, August 20, 2023, due to effects of chronic illness and general declining health. Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara, his children Mary and her husband Frank, Bob and his wife Katie, and Laura and her partner Jason, and his grandchildren Lily and Willa.

Bob was originally from Garfield, NJ, and met his wife Barbara at a high school dance. With his love of HAM radio, Bob attended the RCA in New York to study electronics. Bob then came to Massachusetts when he served in the US Air Force at Westover AFB.

A 50-year resident of Templeton, Bob owned the Templeton Country Store and the Ice Cream Barn with his wife Barbara. Bob’s parents, Walter and Vicki, helped run the store. Town residents may recall stopping by to have coffee next to the wood stove and to chat with neighbors.

Bob was always active in the community and worked as a volunteer fireman, served as Selectman to the Town of Templeton, was a key organizer of the flea market, craft fair, and tree lighting on the Templeton Common, and was both a charter member and President of the Lion’s Club. Bob supported the Boy Scouts’ Pine Wood Derby and helped ensure town land was made available for Buddy League baseball.

In his retirement from the Templeton Country Store, Bob and his wife started Country Store Fudge and traveled to fairs and festivals across the northeast and in Florida to sell classic candies and homemade fudge.  Not willing to fully retire, Bob and Barbara made and sold wooden kitchen utensils following their candy-making. Travel was often by RV due to Bob’s love of driving.

Bob loved the holidays, especially Christmas. He may be remembered for the caroling parties he and his family hosted.

A remembrance will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Templeton Lions Club, PO Box 181, Templeton, MA 01468. Please reference in memory of Robert A. Sabolefski.