Robert Stuart Zeller

Bob had a profound and deep-rooted understanding of what really mattered in life, which guided both his personal journey and professional career. He devoted his life to the care of children and families, building a legacy that has shaped the field of pediatric neurology and touched tens of thousands of lives. Known for his compassion, clarity, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, Bob stands as one of Houston’s most respected and beloved physicians.

Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1938, Bob attended Princeton University before earning his medical degree from the University of Buffalo in 1963. He completed his pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine and then served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he completed his fellowship in pediatric neurology at Columbia University an experience through which he discovered both his passion and his calling.

Returning to Houston, Bob became a central figure in the development of pediatric neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital. He ultimately served as Chief of Pediatric Neurology and later as Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Bob was central to the training of generations of pediatric neurologists at Baylor and supported the growth of programs such as the Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, contributing to an environment where research and clinical care work hand-in-hand to improve the lives of children and elevating the standard of neurological care for children across the region.

A charter member of the Child Neurology Society, Bob quickly became known not only for his clinical expertise, but for the qualities that are harder to teach—gentleness, deep listening, and an exceptional ability to explain complex conditions in ways that brought comfort and understanding. He was a clinician of rare skill and a mentor defined by humility and generosity. With his signature Donald Duck quack, Sesame Street finger puppets, and cowboy boots, he was a warm and familiar presence in the halls of Texas Children’s Hospital.

In 1969, Bob met and married the love of his life, Susan Cooper. Together they went on to have three children and eight grandchildren, building a close, joyful family grounded in love.

Along the way, they opened their home and their hearts to so many friends and colleagues that the Zeller “family” never stopped growing. Despite the demands of his profession, Bob always made time to be an active father and a devoted grandfather and never turned away a friend with a late-night medical question or hesitated to travel to be there for someone who needed him. His curiosity and resourcefulness extended beyond medicine—he delighted in building and fixing things, from constructing his own 1929 Mercedes SSK to creating tennis backboards and playhouses. Weekends often found him surrounded by tools or making yet another run to the local hardware store.

One of Bob’s most enduring personal and professional contributions began with the simple desire to make childhood more joyful. After a young patient with epilepsy was denied the chance to attend summer camp, he helped lead the vision and fundraising effort that resulted in Camp Spike ‘n’ Wave and subsequently Camp For All, an innovative, barrier-free camp where children and adults with a wide range of challenges can participate fully and safely. Today, more than 200,000 campers have experienced that sense of freedom and belonging — a living testament to the compassion that drove Bob’s work.

The recipient of numerous honors throughout his career, Bob was recognized by the Child Neurology Society with the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Award, celebrating his lifelong dedication to empathy, integrity, and service.

Yet for all his professional accomplishments, those who know Bob best speak most often of his humanity, humility, and selflessness — the calm in his voice, the patience in his explanations, and the way he advocated for every child as if they were his own. As Camp For All eloquently noted, “Bob never sought recognition – only impact.” This legacy of impact is not only found in the institutions he helped shape, but in the countless families who walked away from his clinic feeling supported, understood, and empowered.

Dr. Zeller is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan; his children, Rachael Herz (Kenny), Joshua Zeller (Allison), and Sarah Seelaus (Ben); his grandchildren, Max Herz, Maddie Herz, Ellie Herz, Emily Zeller, Ben Zeller, Abbie Zeller, Alice Seelaus, and Cooper Seelaus; his brother-in-law, Michael Cooper (Sandra); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bob’s life work will continue to ripple outward: in the physicians he taught, the families he guided, the children who discovered joy at Camp For All, the medical community that grew stronger through his leadership, and, most of all, in the lives of his wife, children, and grandchildren, who aspire to satisfy the standard he set and honor his legacy.

His life is a reminder of what compassionate medicine can accomplish — and of the lasting power of one person’s commitment to the well-being of others.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Camp For All, 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 570, Houston, TX 77098 or by visiting www.campforall.org

The family held a private service in his honor.

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