Dr. Robert Zabka

Dr. Robert Zabka, 96, of Leesburg, FL, passed away Monday, December 25, 2017. Bob was born on February 10, 1921 in Des Moines, Iowa to Frank and Marie Zabka, the sixth in a family of 12 children. He received two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Chicago and DePauw University and he obtained his Master's and PhD from Northwestern University. Dr. Zabka was a professor emeritus at Eastern Illinois University and also taught in Taiwan. He sponsored an endowment for Special Education Teacher Scholarships at Eastern Illinois University and was instrumental in developing an overseas student teaching program. Robert served his country in WWII as a Pilot/Navigator for the U.S. Navy. Bob was a lifetime Rotarian. Bob moved to Leesburg in 1995 from Charleston, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Shirley W. Zabka, Leesburg, FL; two sons, Robert K. Zabka (Debra), Britton Zabka (Lesley), 2 daughters, Katheryn Harryman (John) and Janine Zabka; his brothers Stan Zabka (Nancy) and Dr. George Zabka; his extended family, Judith Hicks (Brian), Diane Newman, Linda Chapman (Robert), John Walton (Cindy), James Walton (Stacey), Dr. William Walton (Katie); 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years Jean Maxwell Zabka, and two sons, Clifton and Teddy Zabka. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Cornerstone Hospice. Online Guestbook will be available at www.hardenpauli.com < http://www.hardenpauli.com/ > Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.