We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter
your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you
can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Felix J Sobota Jr.
March 14, 1945 ~ March 17, 2020 (age 75) 75 Years Old
Felix J. Sobota, Jr. (Phil) died peacefully with his daughters, Michele Baker and Lisa Hammond by his side in Cape Coral, FL at the age of 75. Phil is survived by his brothers Dave and Ed, daughter Michele (grandchildren Hailey, 23, Alex, 19, Zoe, 10) and Lisa (grandchildren Ava, 14, Jake, 11). He is preceded in death by his former spouse Maryann and his granddaughter Lauren.
Phil was born in Buffalo, NY on March 14, 1945 to Felix Sobota, Sr. and Irene Sobota. He married his high school sweetheart. While living in Buffalo, he used his incredible skills to fix cars and manage the service department at Kmart. He was proud of serving in Vietnam in the Air Force repairing fighter jets. He was later able to fulfill his dream of moving to Florida, enjoying the outdoors, fishing and warm weather.
He was always the one to go to with questions about science, space, politics and how to fix almost anything. He loved to teach the grandkids and engage them in deep conversations that they will remember forever. He also loved all types of music and would introduce us to things about artists and facts that few would know. He would research and then share details that would help you see things and people in different ways. He would read literally everything and try to encourage people to learn about history. He really had a way of seeing how cycles repeat themselves.
The grandkids describe him as wise, funny, kind, caring, and aware. He looked forward to experiencing something new every day and constantly gaining knowledge. His granddaughter describes him as someone who represented the true meaning of Hakuna Matata – no worries and able to go with the flow. His quiet, reserved nature would allow him to take everything in while there was chaos around him. Dad was so insightful, and while never pushing his views on anyone, could hit you with a life lesson in one sentence.
In lieu of a formal ceremony, the family will fulfill his wishes to scatter his ashes in the Gulf of Mexico privately. Donations can be made in his name to The Smithsonian Science Education Center to help nurture the inner scientist in young people. Giving.si.edu