Robert James Gabor

Robert J. “Bob” Gabor, 85, passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Pittsboro, North Carolina. A native of Northwest Indiana, Bob graduated from Valparaiso Technical Institute and began his career as an electronics engineer, designing numerical control systems for machine tools. A natural problem solver, he earned his first two of seven patents in 1965. In 1967, Bob co-founded and started his first company with a neighbor in Northeast Ohio. Together they invented a device that revolutionized the method of testing circuit boards that utilized integrated circuits. The two men partnered for 23 years, founding seven wholly owned subsidiaries.

In 1990, Bob “retired” to North Carolina, though he never stopped building, creating, or finding better ways to use his skills to serve others. He became a dedicated volunteer for Chatham County Habitat for Humanity, where he founded, designed, and built two resale stores in Pittsboro. Under his guidance, the stores—now the Chatham Habitat for Humanity ReStores—grew their sales to over $700,000 annually. He also contributed to the construction of more than 100 homes for working families in Chatham County and served two terms on the organization’s Board of Directors.

A skilled woodworker and craftsman, Bob designed and built furniture and taught woodworking techniques at local and regional events. He hosted children’s “builds” at his church to make bluebird houses and crafted hundreds of wooden toys for Toys for Tots through the Triangle Woodworkers Association. In 2020, he co-founded Hilltop Wood Designs with Jean Thomas to create unique, handcrafted wooden pieces for the home, which they enjoyed displaying and selling at regional craft shows, and at their small store in Cary.

Bob was a beloved and active member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Apex, where he chaired the Administrative Council, sang in the choir, and recruited fellow congregants to volunteer with the Chatham County Outreach Alliance food pantry.

In 2013, Bob became a partner and CFO of Republic of Yoga, which he co-founded with his daughter, Nicole, in Cary. His practical insight, steady support and enthusiasm for helping others made him an important part of the studio’s early development and success.

Bob had a lifelong love of classic cars. In 1987, he competed in the 4000-mile Great American Race with his late wife, Sandy, and dear friend, Al Klavora, driving a 1929 Packard across the United States from Disneyland to Disney World.

Bob was loved greatly and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his son, Robert Gabor Jr.; his daughter, Nicole Nichols and her husband, Christopher Vespermann; his sisters, Elinore Melle and Carolyn Gabor; his loving partner, Jean Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winifred and Emery Gabor, and by his wife of 42 years, Sandra Gabor.

Through his talents, generosity, and love, Bob helped many people realize their dreams.

A service to honor Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Apex, North Carolina. Lunch will be served afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and Blood Cancer United (formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Gabor family.