Robert Frank Gontarek

Robert (Bob) Gontarek, 87, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away at home on July 26, 2025. Born on March 24, 1938, in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the beloved husband of Mary McDermott Gontarek for 67 years, and father to daughter Marilyn Rowland and sons Mark, Kenneth, Robert, and David. Bob was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was employed by IBM as a mechanical design engineer for 25 years. He frequently referred to IBM as an acronym for I’ve Been Moved. Indeed, IBM moved his young and growing family from New York to Kentucky and finally to Texas in 1967. Bob was known for his genuine kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. A good joke was always appreciated, and he had a great belly laugh. Sometimes laughing so hard there were tears. Laughter was always an important and large part of his life.

Bob had a passion for building and was completely self-taught before the advantage of YouTube was available. He had high standards in everything he did and a very strong work ethic. In every house he owned he did many remodeling projects. His family jokingly referred to him as Bob the Builder. It was never a good idea to borrow any of his many tools and not put them back where it was found. Even if he had at least twenty-seven hammers and multiples of every other tool imaginable.

Bob loved to play tennis and ride road bikes. He had a beautiful singing voice and loved having music playing in the house. His children remember him singing in the car while on the way to school drop-off and on the road for family vacations. Ice cream was his favorite dessert although any dessert made him happy. He was opinionated. Very. Generous with his time, talents and his billfold. He left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to know him and will be deeply missed by his family and by all others who knew and loved him. He dedicated his life to wife and family.

Bob is survived by his wife Mary and children Kenneth Gontarek and his wife Sheila, Robert Gontarek and his wife Jeannette, David Gontarek and his wife Terry, and Marilyn Rowland and her husband Guy. He is also survived by his grandchildren Diana Connell, Michele Gontarek, Shannon Hockaday, Chris Gontarek, Clint, Katie, Kyle, and Clare Rowland, Monica Pipenger, Madison Gontarek, Sarah Hale, Grace and Gavin Gontarek.

He is preceded in death by his cherished parents, one sister, three brothers and his son, Mark.

A funeral Mass will be held at ST. William Catholic Church in Round Rock, Texas on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial following at Cook Walden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.