Robert K. Sebastianelli

OBITUARY

Robert K. Sebastianelli, 57, of Jessup, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon at Hospice of Sacred Heart in Dunmore after a brief illness. His wife is the former Tracey Kowalski Sebastianelli, Jessup. The couple was married for 29 years. Born in Scranton, he is the son of Cynthia Vispi Sebastianelli, Jessup, and the late Ronald K. Sebastianelli. He was a 1987 graduate of Valley View High School where he was a member of the football and track teams throughout his time there. He graduated from Wilkes University in 1991, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and continued his football career. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in 1993 and served as a member until his retirement in 2018. After his retirement, he continued his work with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. He was a member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Auto Theft Task Force and was presently working as a county detective where he continued his law enforcement career. During Rob’s time with the Pennsylvania State Police Swiftwater/Stroudsburg barracks, he was instrumental in investigating and solving major crimes that reached across surrounding counties and multiple states. Rob received numerous letters of commendation during his time as a CriminalInvestigator recognizing his dedication and commitment to law enforcement. In 2014, he was honored by the Children’s Advocacy Center for his ongoing work with child abuse cases. Rob was fortunate to work alongside some of the most dedicated men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police during his time in Swiftwater including his longtime partner and friend, Trooper, Craig Vanlouvender.

Rob was a member of Queen of Angels Parish, Jessup and a proud member of the Brotherhood of St. Anthony, The St. Ubaldo Society and The Jessup Civil Service Commission. He was an avid biker, runner, and believer in physical fitness. He was proud of his accomplishments taking part in an Ironman triathlon and the Steamtown marathon in the past. He was the biggest supporter of his childrens sporting events and spent many years being present for them no matter the time or place. He was a caring, devoted, & loving man to his wife, children,and entire family. He most enjoyed his time riding his bike, relaxing on the beach surrounded by his family and friends, seeing a movie with his daughter, hunting with his sons and walking our dog, Freya.

Also surviving are his children; Michael, Anna, and Robert Sebastianelli of Jessup, a twin brother, Ronald and wife Mary, Archbald; sisters-in-law Robyn Kowalski-Wenzler, Peckville and Michele Kowalski, Jessup; a mother- in- law Geraldine Kowalski; Peckville. Uncle Sam Sebastianelli and wife Helen, Jessup and Aunt Jean Zrowka and the late Steve Zrowka. Nieces and nephews Ryan Sebastianelli, Philadelphia and Kira Sebastianelli, Baltimore, Sophia and Austin Kellock, Jessup,several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rob was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eldore and Anna Sebastianelli and his maternal grandparents, Nazzareno and Margaret Vispi, his father Ronald Sebastianelli, father-in-law, A.J. Kowalski, Uncle Donald and Madge Vispi and cousins Cheryl Visloskyand Larry Vispi.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff, doctors and especially to the dedicated, compassionateand professional nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at Geisinger Community Medical Center. The kindness and care that they surrounded the family with will forever be remembered. Also, to the staff at Hospice of Sacred Heart for their care and compassion when it mattered.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at 10am at Queen of Angels Parish, Jessup. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Jessup. Viewing hours will be held on Wednesday at the church from 2 to 6pm. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Louis M. Margotta Funeral Home, Jessup.

Robert K. Sebastianelli

July 24, 2026