Cobabe, Sr., Richard Mark

Richard Mark Cobabe Sr., 70, of Blacksburg Virginia, passed away December 6, 2023, with his family by his bedside. Rick was born June 8, 1953, in Los Angeles California to David Elwin Cobabe and Betty Boman Cobabe.

Rick grew up in Hermosa Beach, spending many days with his friends and family at the beach. One of his greatest memories of his younger years was working at the L.A. Forum in the 1970’s when he “saw all the bands when they were cool.” He loved watching movies and listening to music. Rick shared his passion for both with his children that has since been passed on to his grandchildren. Rick was known for his warm, loving personality and infectious laugh. His friends and family enjoyed his love for comedic movies where his laugh made everything more humorous.

Rick was known for his thoughtfulness and love of continual learning. He graduated from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California (1971), Brigham Young University with a BS in Accounting(1978), and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Webster University (2002). Rick was an avid reader, enjoyed tinkering with computers, and was an early adopter of any gadget he could get.

Rick loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He always had a story to tell or a fun fact that he had learned whenever the family got together. Rick loved going to Disneyland with his family as well as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Safari Park, and long walks along beach boardwalks. He lived most of his life in Southern California but in 2017 moved to Blacksburg, Virginia to be closer to family.

Rick served faithfully as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Holding a deep passion for his faith, he had many opportunities to serve and share his beliefs with others from a full-time mission in Guatemala and El Salvador (1972-1974) to his time as a temple worker at the San Diego Temple. Rick also loved being a Scoutmaster in the Scouting BSA program and frequently participated in scouting activities with his sons. He was proud that all three sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and his only daughter received the Young Women’s Personal Progress Recognition Award. Unfortunately, his opportunities to continue serving others were cut short when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 61.

Rick is survived by his wife of 47 years, Christine (Tina) Louise Cobabe, son, Matthew Alan Cobabe (Kate Lynn Cobabe), daughter, Shayla Christine Cobabe and son, Kenneth Jay Cobabe (Sarah Anne Cobabe) and his four (soon to be five) grandchildren: Amelia, Elias, Emerson, June, and Jay. Additionally, Rick is survived by his parents, David Elwin Cobabe and Betty Boman Cobabe, two brothers, David Elwin Cobabe Jr. (Marie Fitzgerald) and Gerald Michael Cobabe, and his sister, Diane Michelle Varney (Norm Varney) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Richard (Ricky) Mark Cobabe, Jr. (survived by Bethy Cobabe).

The family wishes to thank the dedicated nurses, CNA’s and staff at Heritage Hall for their loving personal care of Rick.

Because Rick has friends and family from coast to coast, a memorial service will be held virtually in January. The family will provide additional information once details are finalized.