Robert John Amato

With heavy hearts we announce that on Saturday, September 6, 2019, Dr. Robert “Bob” Amato, DO, loving husband and father of three sons and one step-daughter, passed away from cancer at the age of 62. Bob was born on November 19, 1956 in New York, NY. He had a life-long love of science, education, running and an appreciation for the human spirit. Bob loved making memories with his family in Colorado, as well as coaching youth football and basketball. He didn’t just run marathons, he won them. Bob always pushed himself, and those around him, to work to be better and strive for excellence.

Bob spent his youth growing up in Long Island and was a gifted runner. He ran track and graduated from Texas Christian University, and then went on to attend medical school at the University of North Texas, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, eventually becoming one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment of genitourinary cancer. Bob became full Professor in the Division of Oncology at McGovern Medical School, as well at the Director of the Division of Oncology and the Memorial Hermann - TMC Cancer Center. He was also the Director of the Division of Oncology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School. Bob was named Houston Doctor of the Year in 2014. He dedicated his life to eradicating cancer and to giving the gift of more time to those who suffered from it, and his patients adored him for it.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Jack. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah, his two sons from prior marriages, Kyle, Quenton, as well as his son John Parker and his step-daughter, Makenzie Walsh. He is also survived by his mother Irene, his sister, Lenore (Sean) Dweck and many nieces and nephews who will all miss him greatly.

A visitation service is to be conducted from 5-7pm on Friday, the 13th of September, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3816 Bellaire Blvd in Houston. A funeral service will take place at 2pm on Saturday, the 14th of September, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, as well.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dr. Robert Amato Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1321, Houston, TX 77251-1321 or http://www.giving.uth.edu/memorial. Contributions will assist to facilitate progression of glioblastoma research and Dr. Amato’s lifelong focus on genitourinary cancer.