Michael Francis Sobotka

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. John 14:1-4

It is with heavy, heavy hearts that we announce that Michael Francis Sobotka, Mike, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 18, 2024 at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Plainfield Township, NJ. After residing in several places, including PA, FL, and NJ, he lived out the last few decades of his life in Cumming, GA where he passed away. 

He has now found eternal peace and is resting with cherished loved ones who passed before him including his father Charles Sobotka Ⅱ, paternal grandfather Charles Sobotka Senior, paternal grandmother Pearl Sobotka, maternal grandfather Frank Purdue, maternal grandmother Alice Purdue, his Aunt Joann Maloney and her husband Richard Maloney, and nephew Zachary Spence. 

He is survived by his wife of thirty years Sheila Sobotka, daughter Ryan Bell, son Justin Noone, son Joshua Sobotka, granddaughter Kahlan Bell, mother Patricia Sobotka, brother Charles Sobotka Ⅲ, sister Patricia Johnson and her husband Brett Johnson, aunt Nancy Purdue, mother-in-law Barbara Spence, brother-in-law Francis Spence, sister-in-law Rebecca Spence, nephew Charles Sobotka Ⅳ, niece Cristy Vaughan, and nephew Cody Johnson among many other loved great nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. 

Mike was passionate about anything and everything outdoors. Many fond memories were made fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends throughout the years. He loved to be on a boat whether on a lake or at sea. In the spring and summer, you could most assuredly find him fiddling around in the yard; mowing the grass, trimming the bushes, tending to his garden of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Just before he passed he insisted upon a new project to grow and harvest saffron. For good measure, you could count on him tinkering with his wife’s plants every opportunity he got. 

At a young age, he developed an enduring love of traveling. Over the course of his life, he traveled all over the country and to many parts of the world. With his wife, family, and close friends, he cruised to many destinations including Aruba, Alaska, Belize, Grand Turk, and Curacao to name a few. The memories made will endure for our lifetimes and will be cherished forever. 

Everyone who had the pleasure to meet Mike would agree that he had a fierce, fiery, no-nonsense, and faithful personality that touched the lives of many throughout the years. I’m sure they would also humorously agree that he was a special kind of stubborn and had to debate even the smallest of things of which we would never change. Everywhere he went he struck a conversation with anyone and everyone creating many, many lasting friends throughout his years. I’m not sure that heaven is prepared for Mr. Mayor. Friends and family from his cruises can attest to the fact that there was almost always a problem that guest services be made aware of. It is certain that he is probably trying to find guest services right now for his “room” is probably not as he expected it to be! Mike was knowledgeable, supportive, kind, caring, and always went out of his way to help a friend. He is deeply loved and missed. 

The family has decided not to have a funeral, but rather a celebration of Mike’s life in both Georgia and Pennsylvania. Details will be provided once arrangements are made.

The family would like for donations to be made to Cancer research and treatment organizations in lieu of flowers.