David Andre Bobilya, 65, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 9, 2018 after a courageous battle with ALS. He fought the battle with dignity and grace, and a strong belief in Jesus Christ. He was the son of Donald and Velma (Klausing) Bobilya. David graduated from Indiana University School of Business at IPFW in 1975, concentrating in Accounting. He passed the CPA exam in 1975. At the age of 15, David began his career with Maloley’s Supermarkets as a carry-out boy. He moved through the ranks to the position of controller until Al Maloley, a lifelong friend and mentor, sold the Maloley Supermarkets to Super Value. He elected not to accept a new position with Super Value, so that he could remain in Fort Wayne and be close to his kids. A friend mentioned to David that Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne needed a controller for the company. David interviewed with Dick Freeland, who also became a lifelong friend and mentor. That interview began a 37-year career with Pizza Hut. Over the years, his career evolved to Treasurer, Vice President, President and ultimately CEO. There were 13 restaurants in 1981 when David joined the company. He was an active participant as the company grew to its current number of 45 restaurants. He loved working for Dick and Deanna Freeland, as well as with everyone in the “Pizza Hut Family”. David had a strong work ethic. He was a well-respected man of integrity and true character. He led his work and personal life with an inner strength based on trustworthiness, wisdom, listening, and a balanced perspective on all things. David tried to pattern his work principles after the guidelines set forth in The Servant Leader. Both his family, and his Pizza Hut family, know that he has also gotten “The Blue Vase” on more than one occasion. He traveled to Poland in 1995 to visit the Pizza Hut and KFC franchisee and soon became a minority partner in that business. In October 2000, the franchisee company and the parent company were merged into a joint venture named AmRest and this organization operated more than 100 restaurants in Poland and the Czech Republic. In 2005, AmRest concluded an Initial Public Offering and began trading on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Along his business journey, he met many friends that influenced his life and his career. Among them, Donald Kendall, Carlton Kruse, and Jackson Lehman. David was a member of The Chapel. He was a devoted community volunteer. He recently received the Sagamore of the Wabash that declared him as “one distinguished by his Humanity in Living, his Loyalty in Friendship, his Wisdom in Council, and his Inspiration in Leadership”. He served as board chair of the Foellinger Foundation, Turnstone Center for Disabled Children & Adults, and Fort Wayne Convention & Visitors Bureau. He also served on the board of directors of The Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and Parkview Hospital. He was past president of the Fort Wayne Country Club, the Financial Executives Institute, and a member of the Fort Wayne Business Forum. He served on the national board of the Pizza Hut Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions Co-op. David was the solid rock that bound his family together. He was the “supporter behind the scenes” and the person that his family could always count on for kindness, wisdom, love, and his calm reassuring manner. His faith in Jesus Christ kept him strong each day of his life and his family was a witness to his walk with the Lord. ”Well done, good and faithful servant!” He enjoyed spending time with his family. He and Annie especially loved family gatherings at their home on Christmas Eve, and celebrating 4th of July at FWCC. They enjoyed vacations to New York City, Siesta Key, and San Francisco. David is survived by his wife of 29 years, Annie; their four children: Carrie (Kevin) Collins; Daniel (Rachel) Bobilya; Mark Bobilya; Lesley Ann (Marc) Pfleging: daughters-in-law, Tina Bobilya and Leigh Bobilya; grandchildren Alix, Hannah, Jagger, Donovan, Mallory, Davis, Joseph, Elizabeth, Ella, Lilly, and Addison; Also surviving are brothers Dean (Lori) Bobilya; Dennis Bobilya; sister Sandra (Tom) Sorgani; brother-in-law Michael (Karen) Johnson; and eight nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents. David was so fortunate - he got to spend most of his years at Pizza Hut working side by side with two of his best friends, Dick Freeland and Rick Oliphant. They also proceeded him in death. Funeral service is 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 14, 2018 at The Chapel, 2505 West Hamilton Road S. with Pastor Rick Hawks officiating and calling beginning at 9:30 a.m. Calling also at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 3:00-7:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Turnstone Center for Disabled Children & Adults or The Chapel. To sign the online guest book, go to
www.domccombandsons.com
