Robert Sanfrey

Robert C. Sanfrey, 56

Robert (Rob) Charles Sanfrey, 56, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Born on August 12, 1968, in Youngstown, to Elizabeth and the late Gerald Sanfrey, Rob was the oldest of five children. He graduated from Ursuline High School in 1986 and went on to earn a BS and an MBA from Youngstown State University. His intelligence and sharp wit were evident throughout his life, shaping both his personal and professional endeavors. 

After earning his degrees, Rob worked at GB Home Equity and Chase Bank, and finished his career at PPG, where his keen analytical mind and dedication made a lasting impression. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for his deep love of sports and statistics. Most notably, he was an avid bowler with a record of ten 300 games and was a member of the PBA. Rob’s competitive spirit was matched only by his sarcastic sense of humor, mathematical abilities, and knack for remembering everything.

A devoted husband to Karen (Casey) Sanfrey, whom he married on May 16, 1998, and a proud father to Jeremy and Roman Sanfrey, Rob cherished every moment spent with his sons, especially attending or participating in their many activities. His faith was an essential part of his life as a practicing Catholic. He took great pride in witnessing Roman’s recent Confirmation and in both of his sons’ commitment to their faith. 

He leaves behind to hold on to his memory his mother, Betty Sanfrey; sisters, Mary Ellen Sanfrey, Susan Sanfrey, Jo (Chuck) Butchko, and Kathleen (Dan) McGlothren; uncle Thomas Sanfrey; aunt Dorothy (John) Romanelli; mother-in-law, Jean Casey; sisters-in-law, Kelly McNally and Caroline (George) Beck; nieces and nephews, Isabella and Sophia Butchko, Brayden and Jameson Beck, and Michael (Simone) and Meghan McNally; Godson and cousin Zarek (Kailee) Bell; cousins Janet (Lee) Bell, Zak (Whitney) Bell, David Rock, and Liz Warwick; best friend, Bill Ligotti; and many other friends and family members.

Besides his father, Gerald (Jerry) Sanfrey, Rob was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Ann (DiCristofaro) Sanfrey; maternal grandparents, Neil and Dorothy (Stirling) Brown; father-in-law, Edward Casey; aunts Alice Sanfrey and Maryanne Myers; uncle Allan Meyers; and great-aunt Yolanda Rock.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the team at Select Specialty Hospital on South Avenue for their compassionate care during Rob’s final days.

Rob’s legacy of love, faith, and perseverance will live on through his sons and will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. Words cannot convey how much he was loved and will be missed.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 9 ;00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Church in Boardman. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. 

The family requests that donations be made to Mission MSA at MissionMSA.org or 1660 International Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102.

Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home handled all of the arrangements for the family.

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