Robert Zbeeb

Father Andrew Zbeeb

Father Andrew Zbeeb (born, Robert Charles Beebe), known early in life as “Bobby,” 78, of Cherry Valley, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 15, 2022, a holiest of days, or Dekapentavgoustos, the day of the Dormition of Virgin Mary (when Mary, Christ's mother, ascended into Heaven). At his side were his wife, daughter, and son. Last rites were performed by his priest and friend, Fr. Athanasios Papagiannis. Fr. Andrew was born in Boston, MA, on October 7, 1943, the son of Shaffie Asa and Florence (Serino) Beebe. After graduating from Lynn Classical High School in 1962, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science English and Journalism at Suffolk University in Boston, MA, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in English and Education at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ever the seeker of knowledge, Fr. Andrew completed post graduate work at State College at Salem, MA, in English and History, as well as Boston University in Boston, MA, in Adult Education and Administration. From 1975 to 1978 Fr. Andrew attended the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, earning a Master Sacred Theology, magna cum laude. His passion for teaching was strengthened by his experiences as a junior high school and high school teacher, and then as a college adjunct assistant professor, and college visiting lecturer. A most popular professor, many students often lauded Fr. Andrew, electing him their all-time favorite teacher. In 2007, Fr. Andrew’s successful presentation at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Oxford, England, prompted an invitation for Moraine Valley students to study at the Centre. Moraine Valley was subsequently the first community college in the world to be invited to participate in the prestigious program. Fr. Andrew’s beloved days as a priest took him from Lynn and Lowell, MA, to South Glens Falls, NY, to Atlanta, GA, and finally to Rockford, IL. He took great and diligent care of countless hearts, minds, and souls all over the country. He was most elated when giving his time and counsel to others, so many of whom returned his love and affection. Fr. Andrew is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Jane Dominguez Zbeeb; his daughters, Kyriaki “Kiki” Zbeeb Hanson, Alexandra Zbeeb, and Andrea Zbeeb (Steve) Owens; and his son, Andrew (Melissa) Zbeeb. Fr. Andrew was an incredibly proud grandfather to grandchildren, Alexander Hanson (25), Calvin Owens (22), Virginia Owens (20), Asa Zbeeb (13), Addison Jones (13), Ariana Michalski (9), Oliver Jones (9), and Axel Zbeeb (8). His greatest joy came from the love he gave and received from these, his legacies. Also surviving are his sister, Barbara Beebe (John) Fortunato; brother-in-law, Richard Dominguez; and nephews, John Robert, Christopher, and Matthew Dowling. He was predeceased by his parents. The family would like to express thanks to Fr. Andrew’s thoughtful caregivers Christy Kushnell and Joy Senonberg, as well as the wonderful help given by Mercy Health Hospice and the support of the staff at Charles St. Laundromat.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022, in Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 North 5th Street, Rockford, IL, 61107, with a wake from 9:30 a.m. to service time. Fr. Athanasios Papagiannis will officiate, and lifelong friend Dr. Constantine Kokenes will recite liturgical chanting. Burial in Argyle Scottish Cemetery. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Loves Park, IL.