Robert John Sobkowski Jr.

Robbie as he was lovingly called by his wife and family, was born on July 10, 1956 in Staten Island, New York. Chef Rob began his baking career at the age of ten at Piazza Bakery in Staten Island, N.Y., which was owned by his grandparents. While growing up he received intensive training by his father and grandfather, and upon graduating high school he assumed the position of full time decorator. In 1978, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia and they moved to Florida. A year later he and his father purchased Melody Diane Bakery in Sunrise where he remained as owner-operator for ten years.

Chef Rob began teaching for The Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale in 1993 and has also taught at Johnson and Wales in Miami, Florida Culinary in Palm Beach and The French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. He was revered by his students as a caring mentor. He is a Certified Master Baker and Corporate Pastry Chef receiving numerous accolades for his pastry, sugar and chocolate work, including two gold medals awarded by the American Culinary Federation. He also owned and operated Sensational Chocolates.

Chef Rob has done many pastry demonstrations on local television as well as appearing on 5 Food Network Challenges, winning three. He currently holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Tallest Popcorn Structure which was filmed in Disneyland California.

In 2011, Chef Rob joined the Swiss Chalet Fine Foods team as Corporate Pastry Chef spending time traveling around the country and world doing demonstrations, teaching and training food service professionals to properly and effectively uses Swiss Chalet products.

While highly recognized for his culinary talent, Chef Rob is best known as “Honey” to his “Honey Bunny”. Married 43 years, Robbie and Patti, traveled the world, enjoyed cooking at home on Their Big Green Egg and loving their life in the state of Florida.

Robbie also loved Jazz and he and Patti were known to travel to many places to see his favorite band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, as well as many other Jazz greats. He was also a collector of Scotch Whiskey and travelled to Scotland to tour the distilleries. Those who know him, also know he is an Audiophile and collector of vinyl records amassing a collection of over 3 thousand vinyl records.

Chef Rob is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, brothers Steven and Salvatore, sister and brother-in-laws Donna, Mario, Norine and Lou, nephews Anthony (Rina), Godson Vincent, Louis and nieces Allie and Mary Catherine (Eric). He also has a great-nephew Sonny and great-niece Olive. He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Concetta and brother John and loving dog Buttons. Sadly, Robbie passed hours before his mother in law Emma, whom he loved dearly.

Chef Rob lived life to the fullest and considered himself blessed every day. He and Patti shared a love story that few have. He will be missed by many but mostly by his family .

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, October 1, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Sobkowski family.