Robert A. Sass

Robert A. Sass

June 15, 1948 - April 10, 2019

Robert A. Sass, 70, LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2019 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St, Michigan City, IN with Pastor Jack Andrews officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel before the service.

Bob was born June 15, 1948 in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Wilbur and Phyllis (Lakin) Sass. On September 25, 1971 in Michigan City, IN he married Patricia Berrier, who survives in LaPorte, IN.

Also surviving are a son, Jason Sass of South Bend; a daughter, Sarah Kaplanis of Crown Point; two grandchildren, Maria and Andrew Kaplanis of Crown Point; Aunt, Nancy Keithley; cousins Scott and Brian Keithley of California; and nieces and nephews, Michael (Tammy) Green, Karey Freel, and Brett (Amy) Erow.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Caskey; and grandparents, Otto and Maude Sass and Carl and Viola Lakin.

Bob graduated from Elston High School in 1966. Bob worked his entire career as a Model Maker Machinist / Master Machinist at various shops in the area, including Sprague Devices/Commercial Vehicle Systems, Visual Educom, and Dage Bell/Raytheon. He enjoyed working on mechanical devices, and took extreme pride in his work and it showed in the craftmanship.

Bob longed for the simpler times of the 1950's-1960's; he collected Standard Oil memorabilia because his father and Grandfather Lakin had operated Standard Oil Gas Stations in Michigan City and Beverly Shores, where Bob spent all of his free time as a child. His most cherished collectible is the Standard Oil Gas Pump that his son restored for him as a gift.

He enjoyed listening to the "oldies" on the radio, and finding that bargain at antique malls and swap meets. Bob liked old 50's-60's magazines, cars and trucks, and looked forward to Tuesday nights at Al's with all the other car guys. Bob enjoyed restoring old cars, especially his personal 1955 Chevy Bel Air that he just completed last summer. But most of all he loved spending time at home with family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.

Bob expressed overwhelming pride and love for his wife, children and beautiful grandchildren, who he loved more than they will ever know.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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