August 16 1959 May 25 2022
Obituary 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. 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. 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 know 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: mmredeemer.org/mass-streaming Upload a Photo Label: * Image: * Gallery: Obituary Photos Upload Gallery Image
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dr Robert J Sinnott August 16 1959 May 25 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Willow Grove, state: Pennsylvania
A very gifted surgeon who always answered questions and concerns carefully and completely. His gentleness and kindness will never forgotten.
Dear Trish Sinnott & family
Your husband saved my life about 15 years ago. He and I became “friends” over the years of follow up visits to his office. He is without a doubt the most kind and talented person I have ever met.
While it is so sad to hear of his passing, I am happy for the suffering to have ended. He now is in perfect peace with our maker and can watch over you and the children.
My wife, Athena, and I wish you peace. Kindest personal regards, Richard and Athena Wagner. Reading, PA
An excellent surgeon who was respected and well-liked by his colleagues at Doylestown Hospital.
Joseph Curci, M.D.