Robert John Onufer

September 6, 1933 – February 13, 2023

Robert “Bob” Onufer, age 89, of Houston, Texas, died on February 13, 2023.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on September 6, 1933, Bob graduated from Coughlin High School in 1951, earned his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University, Master of Science from Rutgers University and PhD in Ceramics Engineering from Rutgers University. He moved to Maywood, NJ and started a family, eventually relocating them to Houston in 1978. Bob was an active member throughout his life in several Eastern Orthodox churches.

A lifelong learner and champion for education, Bob had a voracious thirst for knowledge. He would spend his spare time (often into the wee hours of the night) reading about and researching various subjects that interested him. Combined with his sincere love of people, it meant he was always ready for a late-night chat on any number of topics. However, it was usually politics, the energy industry and religion.

Bob was glad to be part of Texas Oil Tech Laboratories for more than 25 years. Among his proudest accomplishments included mentoring others in the field he loved and seeing the company grow.

As a survivor of a heart attack in 1999 and always the lover of a good pun, cardiac health was close to his heart. He was passionate about helping others with heart conditions live full and vibrant lives. Bob was a long-time volunteer with Mended Hearts, where he visited cardiac patients in hospitals, educated others and supported the heart health community.

Dad/Bob/Uncle Bob/Pappa was a loving and generous man. He often walked the trails near his home with his loved ones while sporting a jaunty cap and enjoyed photography as a hobby.

A devoted father and grandfather, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family. Following his heart attack, he felt he had been blessed with bonus years to see his children grow into adulthood. He loved the moments he spent with his three grandsons talking, telling stories and celebrating their accomplishments in school, sports and life.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Josephine and sister Mary Louise Viquez. He is survived by his long-time friend and companion, Helen Loe, children David (Tricia) and Susan, grandsons Evan, Luke and Adam, brother Joseph, beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and dear friends.

Honoring Bob’s wishes, a private burial for close family is scheduled for Saturday, February 25. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary gift to the American Heart Association at heart.org or Mended Hearts at mendedhearts.org/#donate. Additionally, you are invited to donate blood in his honor through giveblood.org or your local Red Cross or donation center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Onufer family.