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Robert Lewis Sudakow Jr., an adored son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend, left our world unexpectedly on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Rob, or Robby, as some called him, was born in Utica, NY, on June 5, 1974, to his beloved parents, Robert Sr. and Joanne (DeMichele) Sudakow.
Rob was educated in local schools and had a love for science from a young age, participating in yearly science fairs. At the age of 15, he was selected to participate in the People to People Science Exchange Program, where he traveled to Moscow Russia, for a semester. He was awarded the alumni scholarship to attend the University of Rochester, where he was conferred degrees in Molecular Genetics and Comparative Religion. During and after his education, Rob followed his passion for history and archeology, when selected to join archeological digs in Yodfat, Israel, through the University of Rochester program, for 5 consecutive summers. A lifelong learner, Rob obtained certificates from Cornell University, Harvard University, and joined The Climate Reality Leadership Corps.
Rob had a long career in the hospitality industry. Currently, Director of Revenue for the Ace Hotel, he oversaw properties in New York City, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs, CA. He served as President of the Northern California Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for two years. His professional life also included consulting, real estate investing, and property management.
Rob had a vivacious curiosity for culture and travel; Thailand, Italy, France, Cuba, and Egypt, were just a few of his adventures.
A 10 time marathon runner and runner of countless Boilermakers, Rob also completed 5 AIDS LifeCycle events, a 545 mile bike ride from San Francisco to LA, benefiting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the LA LGBT Center. Over the years, he has raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the above, as well as, cancer research organizations and The Trevor Project.
Rob mastered traditional ethnic baking recipes from his grandmothers, but also had exceptional culinary skill, and enjoyed spoiling family and friends. He quickly earned a green thumb, leaving behind a treasured and prosperous garden full of colors. He was a creative soul, who had an eye for photography, antique hunting, furniture restoration, and interior design. A nature enthusiast, Rob loved hiking, exploring, and was compassionate for wildlife and mother earth. Last, but not least, one of his greatest loves was coffee.
Rob was generous, charismatic, and saw people as people and not their circumstances. He was always there to lend a helping hand; volunteered at countless community organizations; and had a smile to light up the world.
Rob is survived by his parents, Robert Lewis Sr. and Joanne Sudakow; his sister and niece, Kimberly and Elle Sudakow; his sister and fiancé, Katie Sudakow and Burak Ozkan; special cousins and confidants, Michelle and George Nixon, and their children, Gabby and Jack Nixon; his two beloved pugs, Tucker and Cooper; treasured friend, Bianca Wojcik Johnson and her son, Thelonious Johnson; his grandfather, Samuel DeMichele; aunt, Connie Nasto; aunt and uncle, Louise and Edwin Battelene; aunt, Carol Kahler; uncle and aunt, Donald and Lisa Sudakow; aunt and uncle, Sandra and Paul Mancuso; uncle, Douglas and Rebecca DeMichele; aunt, Diane DeMichele; aunt, Joanne Aiello; aunt, Barbara Eckel; and many special cousins. Rob was predeceased by grandmother and grandfather, Louis and Mary Sudakow; grandmother, Rosa DeMichele; uncle, Steven DeMichele; and uncle, Thomas DeMichele.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Caprice Haverty.
Relatives and friends are invited to Rob’s visitation on Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica, with a prayer service at the conclusion. A celebration of Rob's life will be held on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Sudakow Home, 131 Higby Road, Utica, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the AIDS/LifeCycle at www.aidslifecycle.org/ , the Trevor Project at www.thetrevorproject.org/ , or the Climate Reality Project at www.climaterealityproject.org/ .
“IN A GENTLE WAY, YOU CAN SHAKE THE WORLD” – Mahatma Ghandi
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Sudakow Jr, please visit our floral store.
AIDS/LifeCycle
Web: http://www.aidslifecycle.org/
The Trevor Project
Web: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Climate Reality Project
Web: http://www.climaterealityproject.org/