Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Robert J.
Sinnott
Aug 16, 1959 — May 25, 2022
Esteemed and beloved physician, Robert J. "Doc" Sinnott, passed away peacefully on May 25th, 2022, at the age of 62 after a brave and relentless battle with ALS. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy and memory by living their lives to the fullest.
Doc was born on August 16th, 1959, to James and Helene Sinnott (nee:Love). There were seven children, three boys and four girls. His siblings always joked that he was "mom and dads favorite," but that was far from the truth. That longstanding joke provided laughter at every family party…and there were a lot of family parties.
A Philadelphia native, Doc graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School and went on to Lycoming College where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his surgical residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital followed by a fellowship in colon rectal surgery.
He practiced at Doylestown Hospital for 12 years before returning to Lehigh Valley where he became the Chief of Division of Colorectal Surgery and the Director of the Colorectal Surgery Fellowship program. His commitment to education was visible both in the classroom and the OR. Dr. Sinnott was known for his incredibly kind nature - he was adored by both his patients and his coworkers.
Doc met the love of his life, Trish (Bader), at Bob Pantano's Dance Party in Philadelphia in 1982. Together, they had four children: Matthew, Patrick, Stephen, and Kathleen who loved him dearly. They were all committed to his constant care and support and provided him with a home full of love, laughter, and plenty of Guinness. That love was returned ten-fold as Doc was happiest when he was with his family.
Doc and family were parishioners of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church for 29 years. His faith was a guiding factor in all aspects of his life and the friends they met in the community have become family.
All who knew Doc knew how much he loved sports, especially watching his kids play hockey, lacrosse, soccer, football, and volleyball, which kept him and Trish busy 12 months a year. This devotion made the Sinnott's well known with all the team members. In fact, the day the kids' friends learned of his diagnosis they arrived from as far away as California, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh to offer their love and support.
Having played sports his whole life, Doc was especially proud when he was inducted into the Lycoming College Hall of Fame in 1996 for outstanding athletic achievement in football. In 2021, close friends and teammates instituted the Robert J. Sinnott '81 Award at Lycoming College to recognize a student athlete who exemplifies Doc's qualities in their character, courage, and determination.
Friends and family knew him for his calm confidence in all situations, especially a medical crisis. Doc made himself available for "consults" whether he was on vacation at the beach, skiing down a mountain, enjoying a meal at a restaurant, or attending a sporting event. He possessed the rare ability to focus on other's needs, despite his demanding schedule.
His natural willingness to help others was a quality for which he was well known. Upon his diagnosis, and wishing to honor him for his selfless nature, friends and family organized and funded a research laboratory in his name at Temple University Hospital. Through the work of the Dr. Robert Sinnott Research Lab, he will continue to advocate for patients living with ALS.
Doc is survived by his wife Trish and four children Matthew (Kelly), Patrick, Stephen and Kathleen (Daniel), his mother and father in-law Harry and Patricia Bader, his siblings Jim (Pat), Eileen (Jerry), Jeanne (Jim), Tom (Anne), Trish (Steve), and Katie (Bobby), brother in-laws Paul (Ann), Ed, Danny (Lisa), Mick (Annelise), Timmy, Matt (Grace) and Kevin (Fil), along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his two grand-dogs, Harlow and YueYue.
"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."
The Wizard of Oz
A Celebration of Life visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 31 from 4-9p.m. at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA 19454.
A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church. If you are unable to attend, there will be a livestream available at: https://mmredeemer.org/mass-streaming
Tuesday
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church
4:00 - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday
St. John Neumann Cemetery
Starts at 12:15 pm
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors