Robert Harold Zlotky

Robert Harold Zlotky, known affectionately as Bob, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on January 25, 2026. He was born on September 13, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Sam and Lillian Zlotky. Bob grew up alongside his older siblings, Richard Zlotky (Elaine) and Beverly Tobian (Milton), each of blessed memory, with whom he shared lifelong bonds of family and friendship.

After attending Omaha’s Central High, Bob attended the University of Oklahoma. At Oklahoma, he served as president of his fraternity Pi Lambda Phi and enjoyed four great years of OU football including a national championship. He became a lifelong fan of the Sooners, a loyalty that continued even though his three children attended the University of Texas. Following OU, Bob served as a First Lieutenant in the Army stationed in Fort Riley. Not long after his discharge, he met the love of his life Shirley Finkelston at an engagement party. This moment sparked their marriage of 67 years defined by devotion, partnership and deep mutual respect. Together they built a life centered on family, loyalty, and shared adventure.

He and Shirley began their marriage while Bob worked in the oil industry in West Texas, but they soon decided that Dallas would be a better place to raise a family. That decision led to Bob’s long and successful career at Texas Instruments, where he worked in a wide range of roles and was respected for his dedication, teamwork and integrity. Bob and Shirley also took great pride in becoming founding members of Temple Shalom in 1965, helping to build a spiritual home that became an enduring part of his and his family’s life.

Bob retired early from TI in order to spend more time enjoying his passion for cycling. His proudest cycling achievement was completing Pedal for Power Across America, an extraordinary seven-week journey in which he and his fellow riders cycled from the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles to the Atlantic Ocean in Boston—a testament to his determination, endurance, and adventurous spirit. He enjoyed working part time for many years at the Richardson Bike Mart where he derived tremendous satisfaction in helping many people enhance their enjoyment of biking.

Bob and Shirley were the proud parents of Jeff Zlotky (Lauren), Sheri Zlotky, and Amy Burrows (Francis), and the loving grandparents of Ryan, Reid, Allie, Megan, Daniela, and Sadie, who were among his greatest joys. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Mike Finkelston (Susan) and his beloved nephews and nieces David (Beth), Alan (Merrie), Julie, Brian and Shana.

Bob will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady presence, loyalty to those he loved, and the example he set through a life well lived. His legacy lives on in his family, his stories, and the countless miles—both literal and figurative—he traveled with purpose and heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Temple Shalom, the Parkinson’s Voice Project or to a charity of one’s choice.