Robert Arno Strauss

Robert “Bob” Arno Strauss, 75, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2019. Bob was the oldest son of Helen and Bob Strauss born on August 16, 1943 in Dallas. He attended St. Mark’s School of Texas before graduating from Hillcrest High School. He attended University of Texas at Austin and University of Dallas before marrying his childhood sweetheart, Olga, and moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1965 to begin their life together. For the next 50 years, Bob enjoyed success as a businessman in Tucson with ventures including KCEE AM and FM radio.

He was most proud of his active community service, particularly furthering the education of children. He served terms as a member Tucson Unified School District from 1984-1992 (President-1987) and was selected as School Board Member of the Year for the State of Arizona in 1992. Upon his retirement from the TUSD Board, Bob continued his commitment to education by establishing the Robert A. Strauss Special Needs Endowment at the Educational Enrichment Foundation to provide funds for the basic needs of at-risk and underserved students. In addition to his role as a school board member, Bob was a philanthropist and active in numerous local charities including America-Israel Friendship League and Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona. He was a supporter of the University of Arizona serving on various campaigns and committees. Bob was also an active member of Temple Emanu-El in Tucson establishing the Olga and Bob Strauss Early Childhood Education Center. Bob’s selfless generosity and tireless efforts to serve the Tucson community made a lasting impact and inspired many.

When he wasn’t volunteering, Bob could regularly be found in his recliner or in the stands supporting his beloved University of Texas Longhorns and University of Arizona Wildcats sports teams.

Despite his many business and philanthropic efforts, Bob remained most proud of his family enjoying summer trips to Del Mar, California and Dallas, Texas, coaching softball, trips to the toy store and many happy memories full of laughter.

Bob spent the later years of his life back in Dallas surrounded by love, family and in the devoted care of Kingsley Adu. Kingley’s dedication, love and unfailing commitment to Bob’s care are to be admired and made it possible for him to enjoy the last years of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Bob Strauss, brother-in-law, George Breen,and son-in-law, Marc Henry. . Bob is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 54 years, Olga Glick Strauss, and three children Lisa Strauss, Lauri Strauss and Rob (Whitney) Strauss. He was a beloved grandfather to grandchildren Johnnie (Haley Swenson) Mastin, Jordan (Alec) Champlin, Bobby Strauss, Timmy Strauss and great-grandson, Coen Champlin. He was a loving brother to Rick (Diana) Strauss and sister, Susie Breen, brother-in-law to Carol and Robert Hirsh and fun uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanu-El Dallas in the Stern Chapel on Wednesday, August 7 at 3:00 pm immediately followed by reception in Linz Hall/Tycher Gathering Space. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the charities that Bob treasured - the Robert A. Strauss Special Needs Endowment at the Educational Enrichment Foundation or the Olga and Bob Strauss Early Childhood Center at Temple Emanu-El in Tucson are appreciated.