Ralph Joseph Sabock, 82, beloved father and grandfather, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in State College. He was born Oct. 10, 1928, in Universal, Pennsylvania, to the late Florence and Peter Sabock. On June 1, 2009, he was preceeded in death by his wife, Eula, after 59 years of a truly special marriage.
Ralph graduated from Muskingum College in 1950 with a degree in physical education and began his teaching and coaching career at Barnesville High School in Ohio. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, served four years during the Korean Conflict, and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1956. He then resumed his teaching and coaching career in Wooster, Ohio.
In 1957, the family moved to Worthington, Ohio, where Ralph taught math and physical education and coached football, wrestling, and baseball. During this time, he earned a masters degree and PhD in physical education from Ohio State University. In 1969, he joined the physical education faculty at Penn State. There, he taught courses in teacher preparation and coaching, authored numerous articles, conducted a number of coaching workshops, and developed the graduate program in sport administration.
He was the author of "Coaching: A Realistic Perspective," currently in its ninth edition, and used internationally in college coaching courses. He officiated at both college and high school track and field and cross country events for more than 30 years; Penn State honored Ralph and a fellow faculty member for their service by naming the annual Sykes-Sabock Challenge Cup indoor track meet for them.
Ralph was a gifted athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track at Penn High, and in football and track at Muskingum College, where he was the quarterback for the 1949 OAC championship football team and twice named All-Ohio Conference. He was inducted into the Muskingum College Hall of Fame in October 1982 and the Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame in May 1987. He came to love both tennis and golf, and enjoyed countless hours with friends and family on the courts and on the course. Ralph and Eula were members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in State College for 40 years; he served on various committees and two building projects.
He is survived by his children Ann (Tim) Taylor, of Columbus, Ohio and Michael (Sandy), of Kalamazoo, Mich.; four grandchildren, of whom he was tremendously proud: Mikell Taylor, Bradley Taylor, Daniel Sabock, and Kevin Sabock; and a brother, David, of Sarasota, Fla.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, in the Lion's Den at the Village at Penn State. Private interment will be at Boalsburg Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Ralph's memory to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 109 McAllister St., State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home.