Dr. Robert Melvin Komorn died on October 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Born on June 24, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to William and Gertrude Komorn, Bob and his older brother Harvey grew up learning the importance of family and education. The four of them would stay up nights discussing their interests and pushing each other to question everything. He carried these lessons with him throughout his whole life and passed on his curiosity and love of learning to his daughters and grandchildren.
Bob graduated from Wayne State University and then pursued his dream of becoming a physician. Attending the University of Michigan Medical School on a full scholarship, he served as President of his medical fraternity, published award winning student research papers, and graduated cum laude in 1964. Never forgetting that he received a scholarship and wanting to give back to his alma mater, Bob recently created the Judith G. and Robert M. Komorn Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan Medical School. Bob trained as a resident in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan Hospital. After completing his medical training, Bob and his family moved to Houston in 1970.
Over the ensuing years, Bob had a highly successful medical practice. He was Chief of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was one of the first surgeons to use a laser. Bob was also an active staff member of the ENT Department at Methodist Hospital. He always showed true compassion for his patients and was a valuable mentor to other doctors.
Nothing was more important to Bob than his family. After dating for five years, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Judith Katz in 1961. He and Judy were married for 57 years and raised three amazing daughters. Bob was fortunate to have six grandchildren who provided him with boundless joy and pride.
Bob was extremely committed to his Jewish faith and was an active member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Over the years, he was honored to serve as President and was instrumental in the creation of the Investment Committee. He was also dedicated to the Beth Yeshurun Day School. More than two decades ago, he and Judy began sponsoring the school’s annual Young Authors’ Celebration in memory of their beloved daughter, Deborah Komorn Baruch, of blessed memory. Bob took such delight watching the students enjoy this special day of fun and learning.
Bob loved traveling the world and together he and Judy visited cities and countries on 6 of the 7 continents. A highlight of his life was taking his entire family to Israel to celebrate his and Judy’s 50th wedding anniversary.
When he was not practicing medicine or volunteering at Beth Yeshurun, Bob could frequently be found on the golf course, cheering for the Michigan Wolverines and the Astros, or playing competitive bridge.
Bob is survived by his wife Judy; daughter Sherri Farrell and her husband Scot; daughter Janet Kleban and her husband Dan; grandchildren Ariana, Lauren and Matthew Farrell and David, Abigail and Lillian Kleban; and brother Harvey Komorn and his wife Diane.
Funeral services will be held at Congregation Beth Yeshurun on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
There will be a Shiva Minion Sunday, October 28, 2018 and Monday, October 29, 2018 at 5:30 pm at the Kleban Home 4615 Maple Dr. Bellaire, TX 77401
Those wishing to make a donation in his name may contribute to the Deborah Komorn Baruch Fund at Beth Yeshurun.
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