Dumitru Sarbu

Published: December 12, 2025

On 11.12.2025, the academic and sports community lost a great man of physical culture and sports, university professor Dumitru Sârbu, a dedicated teacher and a prominent personality in the field of physical education and Romanian sports. Born on September 30, 1930, in the commune of Băneasa, Galați county, Dumitru Sârbu was an essential figure not only in university education, but also in the development and promotion of sports, especially handball, in Romania.

A path of education and performance

Professor Sârbu began his academic career by studying at the "Vasile Alecsandri" High School in Galați, and later attended the Institute of Physical Culture in Bucharest, an institution that provided him with the theoretical and practical foundation necessary to become an authority in the field. After completing his studies, he dedicated his entire life to education and sports, being an example of professionalism and passion for those around him. At the "Dunărea de Jos" University in Galați, Professor Dumitru Sârbu became a teacher, gradually advancing to the position of Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, covering a period of influence that left a deep mark on the institution and on those who had the privilege of learning from him. Professors and students describe him as a dedicated mentor, a man who, through his knowledge and innovative teaching methods, managed to deepen the understanding of the importance of physical education and sports in the formation of young generations.

An outstanding handball player and coach

In addition to his academic career, Dumitru Sârbu was also a high-performance athlete, a talented handball player who significantly contributed to the development of this sport in Romania. His activity as a handball teacher and coach was doubled by his achievements in his sports career, being a model of perseverance and dedication. Over the years, Dumitru Sârbu was a coach for handball teams, influencing entire generations of athletes and contributing to increasing the competitive level of this sport. Moreover, his activity within the Romanian Olympic Academy, as director of the Galați Branch, strengthened the link between sports education and the Olympic movement in Romania, and his involvement in the Romanian Science and Sports Council and the Central Coaches College was an example of leadership and commitment to the development of the national sports system.

Awards and recognition

For his outstanding merits in the field of physical education and sports, Dumitru Sârbu was awarded numerous titles and prizes. In 1992, he was awarded the title of Emeritus Coach, a recognition of his significant contributions in the training of athletes and the promotion of handball in Romania. In 2003, the "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galați conferred on him the title of Honorary Professor, a sign of respect and appreciation for his dedicated work, but also of his impact on the academic and sports life in Galați and the entire country.

The legacy left

Professor Dumitru Sârbu was a man of balance between theory and practice, a professional who knew how to combine the knowledge accumulated throughout an exceptional career with a passion for sports. His legacy will remain alive in the hearts of those who knew him and had the privilege of learning from him. In this moment of sadness, his family, friends and former students say goodbye to a personality who left an indelible mark on physical education and Romanian sports. His life and achievements are a testament to his dedication, work and love for education and sports.

May God rest him in peace