John Theodore Bolubasz

On December 23, 2023, the exceptional life of John Theodore Bolubasz came to an end, due to the recurrence of brain cancer. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and his four adult children. John, also known by family and friends as Jack, Bull, and John Blass, was known for his larger than life personality, his loving nature, good humor, interest in others and extraordinary contributions to his community. Those who knew him will find his loss to be heartbreaking. He was 71 years old.

John was born on July 19, 1952, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to parents Helen Ann Czubiak and John Joseph Bolubasz. He leaves behind his wife Lisa, son Zachery Blass Bolubasz, son Grant Blass Bolubasz, son Mason Garrod Hertweck, Daughter-in-Law Poulette Hertweck and daughter Ruby Jean Hertweck. John is also survived by his brother Robert Frank Bolubasz, sister-in-law Jan Perry Bolubasz, nephew Robert Perry Bolubasz, nephew Andrew David Bolubasz and grandchildren Eli Ryan Hooper, Rose Jean Hooper and Theodore Daniel Hertweck.

John spent his childhood near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Clemson University on a football scholarship, also joining the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He graduated the Clemson class of 1974 with a chemical engineering degree and lived in Los Angeles until finally settling in Houston, Texas for more than 40 years.

Although he began his career working for Exxon as a chemical engineer in sales, he quickly attained a real estate license and began investing in real estate through partnerships with colleagues. At the time of his retirement, John had become partner and CEO of Capital Oil Brokers, with ownership of multiple properties in the Heights Houston neighborhood. He served on the board of the Houston Heights Association, helping to establish the beginnings of Historic Districts in the area. John also built an architecturally significant home in the Heights, which was published in the Architecture Guide to Houston and where he raised his children and lived for many years.

A unique, lovely man with charisma to spare, John never passed an opportunity to participate in what interested him and to make lasting friendships. John was an avid art collector, a skilled photographer, certified diver and an accomplished dancer with a love of artistic culture. He served as an auctioneer for various charities; an usher at St Anne’s Catholic Church for several years and generally offered his time to the betterment of his community. He was a fully engaged, authentic person who was generous throughout his life. He brought positive energy and light to everyone in his orbit.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of John Theodore Bolubasz will be held on February 3, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Francis Episcopal Church located at 345 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas, 77024. The Reverend Stuart Bates will preside over the service.

If you wish to send flowers for the funeral, please have them delivered to the church.