Robert Eli Saba

Robert Eli Saba passed away after 92 and a half wonderful years on Earth. Born March 25th, 1934, Robert was the firstborn son of Eli and Isabel Saba. He was a caring brother to Jean, Mitchell, and Gary; a loving, devoted husband and lifelong partner to Lois, to whom he was married for 61 years; a devoted father to Susan Wagner, Karen Cutone, Julie Ronning, and Robert Saba; and a doting grandpa to his ten grandchildren: Molly, Madeleine, Griffin, Julianne, Rebecca, Charlotte, Ava, Maria, Graison, and Harper. He was also a cherished companion to his extended family, in-laws, and the many friends and acquaintances he made throughout his rich life.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Robert graduated from Ridgefield Park High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at New York University before earning his master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He began his professional journey at Pan Am airlines, an early experience that fostered a lifelong love of travel. As a licensed CPA, he went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a controller and CFO for both private and public companies, spanning over four decades.

In duality to his professional achievements, Robert’s adventurous nature and intellectual curiosity were most evident in his extensive travels with Lois. They were true companions on a lifelong journey that spanned decades and continents. From the 1990s onward, their travels took them through England, Japan, China, India, Thailand, South Africa, and Syria. They explored Europe extensively, from Italy and Germany to France, Austria, and Spain, and embraced the vibrant cultures of Morocco, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Nova Scotia, and the Canary Islands. They also treasured breathtaking landscapes closer to home across the U.S. National Parks. Yet, whether visiting world wonders or relaxing in favorite spots like Puerto Vallarta and Aruba, Robert traveled not as a tourist, but as a local, always eager to understand surrounding cultures, traditions, and humanity.

Growing up the son of a grocer, Robert retained a lifelong appreciation for simple, genuine pleasures, always finding joy in a great produce aisle or local farmers market wherever he went. A passionate sports enthusiast, he was a lifelong devotee of all New York teams, holding a special place in his heart for his beloved Yankees. Deeply passionate about classical music and opera, he frequented Lincoln Center for the symphony and was a devoted, long-time Met subscriber. In his quiet time, he found happiness reading and listening to music on his iPad.

Beyond his accomplishments, Robert was defined by his tremendous inner strength, hard work, and warm presence. He was a talented conversationalist, and a man who adapted gracefully through many eras while holding firm to his deepest convictions. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father. His legacy of warmth, strength, and devotion lives on through the family he loved so dearly.

Private services for his family will be held on Wednesday, August 19th at Holden-Dunn-Lawler Funeral Home in Westwood, Massachusetts.