Remembering Dennis Sobik, restaurateur

Sobik, Dennis J., 51, of Oviedo, lifelong Seminole County resident, passed away peacefully, with loved ones at his side, on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 in Orlando, after a lengthy battle with aplastic anemia, a bone-marrow disorder. He was born on June 25, 1965 in Orlando to restaurateurs John and Beverly Sobik – founders of the well-known local sandwich franchise Sobik's Subs.

Dennis' childhood included diverse interests: a love of reading and creating comics, a passion for playing the drums, in his own local band with friends, and playing defensive guard for the Lake Brantley High School football team. After high school Dennis pursued college degrees at Seminole Community College and the University of Central Florida, majored in finance, earning a degree in Business Administration. During his time at UCF, Dennis was an active member of Pi Sigma Epsilon and the Entrepreneurship Club. Dennis was also one of UCF's original "Knightro" mascots.

Even before completing his college degrees, Dennis entered into the family business, beginning with managing a Sobik's Subs sandwich shop. With his business degree in hand, Dennis eventually took on all aspects of the family's commercial properties and restaurant businesses, eventually owning and operating a Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken franchise and the Skibo's Subs business – both in Sanford.

Dennis was a 20-year devoted member of the Rotary Club of Seminole County South. He was instrumental in growing the Rotary's Rising Achievers Program – a college scholarship initiative supporting Seminole County Public School students who have graduated and succeeded despite great odds. For five years, quarterly, Dennis coordinated over 400 meals served at the Coalition for the Homeless. Dennis was Rotary president in 2012 and 2013 and was a prolific committee member and volunteer. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his Rotarian service.

Dennis' greatest joy in life, and his motivation for fighting his disease, was his love for his wife and children. Dennis truly loved being a husband and a father.

Dennis' personality was larger-than-life, and he never met a stranger. He is unforgettable to all those he met, always lending a helping hand, always ready with advice, and always kind and generous.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents John and Beverly Sobik. He is survived by his wife, Izabela Sobik, son Aleksander Sobik, daughter Sara Sobik, all of Oviedo; brothers Robert Sobik (spouse Teresa), of Eustis; John Sobik III (spouse Amy) of Sorrento; sister Deborah Sobik of Apopka, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral mass and reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Community Church (575 Tuskawilla Rd., Winter Springs).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Seminole County South Rising Achievers Program at www.ssrotary.com or P.O. Box 160306, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716.