Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Talaska Obituary
Talaska
1962-2019
Robert J. "Bob" Talaska (56) of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on March 3l, 2019.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bob attended Beloit College where he was an NCAA basketball letterman. After graduating from Beloit College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Bob attended the University of Houston Law Center, where he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1988.
In starting his legal career with The Haskins Law Firm in Houston, Texas, Bob quickly found and cultivated his passion for helping those in need. Devoting his practice to complex medical malpractice and birth trauma litigation, Bob established himself as a birth trauma litigation authority to his peers and as an honest and compassionate advocate to his clients. After working his way from associate to partner in The Haskins Law Firm, Bob left The Haskins Law Firm to establish The Talaska Law Firm, PLLC in 1998.
For over two decades, as one of the nation's preeminent board certified birth trauma litigators, Bob and The Talaska Law Firm represented a countless number of those injured as a result of medical negligence during the birth process in courtrooms throughout Texas and across the country.
As a result of Bob's tenacious and compassionate representation of his clients, he has, among other things, been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer, rated as AV-Preeminent by his peers, and was selected as one of Texas' Top 40 Lawyers Under 40. Additionally, Bob served as a past national chairman of the American Association for Justice's Birth Trauma Litigation Group, and was frequently an invited lecturer and presenter at professional conferences and meetings across the country.
While a zealous advocate for his clients, Bob never lost focus on giving back to the Houston community which he loved. Bob served as the Director and Coach for the Northside Rockets, a youth AAU boys' basketball team which served the inner-city youth. Bob could also frequently be found advising and mentoring young attorneys on litigation strategies and on long-term career success.
Bob was preceded in death by his father James Talaska, and leaves behind his mother Barbara Talaska, his two sons Travis and Dylan, his beloved friend Debra Clairmont, his sister Lynn Hochschild, Nephew Evan (Casey) Hochschild, Niece Ann (Phillip) Bailey, great Nieces Paige and Edelle Hochschild, and countless other friends and colleagues. Those who knew him well also knew how he valued his beloved staff.
A private service was held for close family members. A Celebration of Life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please send a gift in Bob's honor to the Boys & Girls Club of Houston http://www.bgcgh.org/donate, the University of Houston Law Center https://giving.uh.edu/law/ or a charity of your choice.
Whether you found Bob in court or on the court, his love for others was evident. Bob devoted his personal and professional life to helping others and his impact is immeasurable. The love for Bob will not fade away. His family, friends, and community will miss him greatly. Comfort can be found in the way Bob lived his life: the game never ends, you just find a new court.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Talaska
August 15, 2025
If you could see us now - wiser, stronger, still loving you through time and change - still carrying the best of what you shared and who you are. Love always, you´re remembered and loved every day.
Darla Steves
April 12, 2020
We are so saddened to just be finding out about Bobs passing in the last few weeks. We spent many dinners with the crew before we moved and recall fondly Bobs laughter. All of our live music and gourmet dinners and outings were tremendous fun. Bob was down to earth and extracted every moment of life out of the handful of years we knew him. Love to Alison, the kids, Bobs extended family, all of our friends who miss him dearly. Hes one of those souls you hope is always there at the event when you arrive because you know you will be accepted and there will be great conversation. Heres to the fine meals we will all share together in heaven, brother. Jim and I are glad we had those tasks with you two that evening at the bay. At least we know we will see you again. Until then, to God be the glory. Happy Easter!
Jane Pipito
December 6, 2019
My heart is heavy In just finding out that another cousin has passed. Although we havent seen him in a long time he left us with loving thoughts of a thoughtful and caring person. He will always live on to the many who mourn and care about him. Our prayers are with his family now and forever.
Gabriela Garcia
October 16, 2019
I just learned of his passing and I'm truly sad. He was a wonderful boss and I have fond memories of him and Deb and the boys. I am so sorry for their loss and of course for the staffs loss. Sandra thinking of you and Pene. Thank you for the great memories of working at The Talaska Law Firm. It was the best and hardest job I've ever held. I have never worked with such talented, smart, hardworking people. Love you and miss you!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jim Wilde
August 28, 2019
I just learned of Bob's passing from the Texas Bar Journal. Although I have not seen Bob in years, we had many battles in court advocating for our clients when I used to practice law in Houston. Bob was a talented litigator and fiercely represented his clients; he will be truly missed. My sympathy goes out to Bob's family.
July 18, 1962
July 18, 2019
Today you would be 57. Our hearts were not ready for you to go. Your voice is still so clear as we remember the joy and memories we made. You always reminded us that together we were living the best days of our lives. Happy Birthday, Fuzz. We celebrate you and the joy we all shared. I can see you patting your hand over your heart in acknowledgment. You have always been and always will be someone we celebrate. Thank God for you.
The McBrinn's
May 13, 2019
So sorry to just be hearing this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family. We had many lovely times and laughs with he and Allison over the last several years. God bless his sons and the little children. Bob's kind heart will be missed.
Stephanie Arnett
May 11, 2019
My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends
It gives a lovely light.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
April 16, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers for Bobs family friends and associates we truly were blessed to call him our friend and lawyer we will forever hold him in our prayers may he RIP. love from Roy Katherine and Zariah
Donald Brown
April 16, 2019
Bob was a dear friend and I always loved the time we spent together discussing medicine, law, and most importantly life . During our final time together in March we literally walked and talked in downtown Houston for 4 hours. Didnt know it would be the last time here, but well meet up and resume the conversation from a different perspective. Good bye my friend
April 15, 2019
My Condolences to the family and friends, grew up in the same neighborhood one of the nicest kids around always willing to teach others basketball on the playground day and night, the court was Bobby T's home away from home! Those summers at Junior High East were some of the best basketball games to be apart of! a Cudahy Legend! Thank You Bob, RIP
April 15, 2019
I've known Bob since grade school at Washington Elementary. He was always the guy dribbling the basketball---everywhere. He was also one of the nicest guys around So sorry to hear of his much to early passing. My condolences to his family, he will certainly be missed.
April 15, 2019
Very sad news. I played basketball with Bobby T and went to high school with him. Truly a nice person!
Virginia Savrnoch
April 14, 2019
There are no words that can bring true comfort. We stood up for each other's weddings, watched our children grow. We never expect to loose them. Now they watch over us every day. Fly with the Angels, Bobbie, until we are together again
April 14, 2019
Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving god promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13)
Z L
April 14, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
Gary Groelle
April 13, 2019
I am so saddened and just now learning of this news. I was a high school friend and a mutual basketball buddy of Bob's. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to be reconnect with Bob at our Cudahy, WI High School Basketball reunion, this past March. It was the first time we had been reunited since our high school days.
What an absolute pleasure to revisit and share many memories with Bob. An outstanding man who cared
more about others than he did himself. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Rest in peace Bob.
April 13, 2019
Sean and I are so sorry to hear of Robert's (Bob's) passing. May he rest in eternal peace. Prayers for all of his loved ones that they too may have peace.
Kari and Sean Tracey
April 13, 2019
Sincerely saddened to hear about the death of Robert Talaska. He will truely be missed by all those who loved him. May the God of all comfort give you strength during this time of grief. May the hope from his word remind you of the hope a head. Act 24: 15
Mary Jane Schumacher
April 13, 2019
Our hearts sadden to here of the passing of Bob. He was a wonderful person and neighbor. We will always keep him in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
April 13, 2019
My condolences to the family. I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved one. May you find comfort in Jesus words at John 6:40
Austin Schumacher
April 12, 2019
It was a big part of my life growing up in the neighborhood with the Talaska Family. You all will always be in my Prayers and i will never forget how Robert and everyone treated me like family. The memories will always be with me. It was an honor knowing him.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Talaska's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Robert Talaska
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Talaska's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
