Robert J. Marco

Robert J. “ Bob” Marco, 75, of Houston, Texas, died May 9, 2010. He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1934, the son of Belle and Lazar Marco. Educated at Marmion Military Academy, a Benedictine high school located in Aurora, Illinois, Bob graduated 3rd in his class. Thereafter, he attended The University of Notre Dame, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Commerce, majoring in Business Administration with a Finance minor. Because of his ongoing support he was awarded an honorary membership into the Notre Dame Monogram Club and in 1985 was honored as the Man of the Year by the Houston Notre Dame Club.

Bob’s 53 year career in the automobile industry began as a Branch Manager for Motors Holding, a division of General Motors Corporation. In 1969, Bob became an automobile dealer for Buick/Opel in Houston, Texas. During his career he was also a franchised dealer for Chevrolet, Mazda, GMC, Peugeot, DeLorean and Chrysler/Plymouth. Bob was also a part owner in the Houston Astros Baseball Franchise from 1979 - 1992. Semi-retired and forever the entrepreneur, Bob began a successful executive placement firm specializing in the automobile industry.

In addition to his passion for his family, friends, and career, Bob was very active in his community. Living by the motto “a man for others,” he dedicated his time to serve on numerous board of directors: Houston Tennis Association, Escape Center, Texas American Saddlebred Horse Association, Northwood University, Duchesne Academy, Memorial Ashford Little League, Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Joseph Hospital, and the Leukemia Foundation. Perhaps the greatest joy for Bob was serving on the Board of Directors at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory for 16 years with 3 terms as Chairman of the Board.

Bob shared his hobbies of tennis, golf, baseball, football and gardening with many others. An avid tennis player throughout his life he started the Bob Marco Junior Open Tennis Tournament, held for 15 years, which became one of the largest junior tournaments in the United States. Another joy of Bob’s was coaching youth sports such as the Wilchester Wildcats varsity football team and many Little League baseball teams. Through this, Bob instilled the important life lessons of character, positive spirit and generosity into the lives of his children, grandchildren and countless others.

Bob is survived by Patricia, his wife of 50 years; son Mike; son Tim and wife Barbara; son Chris and wife Susanne; and daughter Kelly and husband John. He also leaves his sister Rosemary and her husband Gordon and his brother Joe. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Chris, Justin, Patrick, Megan, Ethan, Madison, Sydney, Aidan, Christopher, Lachlan, John, and Julia.

Robert J. “Bob” Marco was a “neat guy” who touched many lives. He is greatly missed.

A visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, In Memory of Robert J. Marco, 8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036. Bob’s enthusiasm for and devotion to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory was immeasurable. Please visit memorialoaksfunerals.com so sign the online guestbook.