Obituary: Former Sharon High athletic director Bob Sondheim

Bob Sondheim, the retired athletic director for the Sharon Public Schools entered into rest April 8, 2013 at the age of 63.

He was the beloved husband of the late Celina (Kelley) Sondheim, devoted father of Andrew Sondheim and his wife, Krystle, of Sharon and Carrie Sondheim of Sharon. Loving brother of Arthur Sondheim III and his wife Monique of ME. Cherished uncle of Elizabeth Levesque and Arthur Sondheim IV and loving companion of Carol Abram of Sharon.

Funeral services are private. There will be a memorial service in his honor on Friday April 12, at 4 p.m. at the Sharon High School auditorium, 181 Pond St.

Bob was a man who touched many lives deeply through his friendships, coaching positions and volunteer work. Many of the groups that benefited from Bob’s generosity were from the town of Sharon, including: Community Chorus, Family Week, Finance Committee, Rotary Club and many others.

Among his lifetime of fundraising efforts, Bob was most proud of his English Channel swims to benefit various local charities close to his heart. He was devoted to youth sports and coached both youth and Sharon High School swim teams. Bob also enjoyed volunteering as a sports broadcaster, and was known as the voice of Sharon basketball and football. 

A man with many passions, Bob’s love of gardening was exceeded only by his joy of sharing his garden’s bounty. He loved singing and was often a featured performer with the Sharon Community Chorus, of which he was a member for over 30 years.

A great storyteller, Bob loved to share his stories with anyone who would listen. Those who knew Bob well would testify to his vast patience and ability to mediate difficult situations. He often used his keen sense of humor to lessen tension and put everyone at ease. 

In honor of his late wife, Celina, Bob was developing a device to assist those in wheelchairs. During his wife’s illness, he discovered the problems inherent in handling a wheelchair along with a walker or other necessary items. Seeing the need, he set his sights on finding a solution, and he was just beginning the manufacturing process.

During his 26 years at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Bob worked in a variety of positions, including Director of Van Modifications. He became athletic director for the Sharon Public Schools 11 years ago and was extremely well respected by students, faculty, the community and league athletic directors.

After being selected as the guest speaker for the 2012 SHS commencement ceremony, Bob gave students the advice to “Look for the good in people because we all have it.” Those who were fortunate enough to know Bob would agree that he always brought out the very best in every person he met. All of us will be richer for having known him.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to Global Soap Project atwww.globalsoap.org, an organization he embraced.