Robert “Bob” Zydonik, 82, passed peacefully in Aberdeen, NC, on August 4, 2022.
Bob was born in Ford City, PA March 28, 1940; he was the son of the late Frances Zydonik. He grew up in Erie, PA, where he graduated from Academy High School. After his high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, where shortly after, he met his wife Maxine Scarpitti while at The Kahkwa Club in Erie, PA and then married in September 1966, at Holy Trinity, in Erie, PA. A couple of years later, Maxine and Robert welcomed their two sons, Jamie and Aaron.
From an early age, Bob’s affinity for golf guided him, and after he left the Army, he sought to build upon what he knew and loved. His passion led him to become not only a respected lifetime member of the PGA but a professional working with some of the best golf professionals in the world, such as Jack Grout and Peggy Kirk Bell. He worked as a PGA Golf Professional for over 55 years, teaching at golf clubs, including Kahkwa Club, located in Erie, Pa, La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach, FL, and most recent, Pine Needles Country Club and Resort, in Southern Pines, NC, since the early ’70s, which he retired from in 2010.
In addition, to being a well-respected golf professional, he was a businessman. He opened Par Pal Golf in the ’80s, a golf club repair and custom fitting company with his son Jamie. Together they operated the business for many years. As a result, he was sought after not only for teaching but also for his club-making and repair ability.
Outside of golf, Bob also loved to work in the yard. He loved feeding the birds and squirrels as well as making sure his yard was always perfect.
The golf world was not just his job; it was his vocation. A responsibility and dedication to which he devoted his life. He will be sorely missed and is survived by his two beloved sons, Jamie (Cher) and Aaron (Kendra) Zydonik, of Moore County, and his two brothers, Richard (Ruth) Zydonik of Russell, PA, and Harold (Carol) Schwartz of Eire, PA. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Online condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
