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Robert S. Foshko

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University of Michigan University of Texas

Robert Foshko Obituary

On May 3rd, 2015, Robert Foshko passed away at the age of 85. A long-time member of the Director's Guild of America and two-time Emmy winner for his work in television, Bob was a distinguished faculty member for screenwriting and television at the University of Texas at Austin and the Michener Center for Writers, where he shaped the education and careers of many students for three decades, garnering many other awards and accolades. Bob was preceded by his father Harry Foshko, his mother Irene Repatsky Foshko, his brother Alan Foshko (all of New York), and his first wife, Marian Foshko of Austin. He is survived by his loving wife Sally Griffin Foshko and his son Adam Foshko, along with an extensive family who all loved him dearly. Services were held in Austin, where Bob was a member of the Congregation Beth Israel for many years. Those wishing to honor his memory may donate to the Robert Foshko Scholarship Fund, which is being established at the University of Texas, College of Communication, Department of Radio-TV and Film.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from May 15 to May 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Foshko

16 Entries

February 29, 2020

I happened to be in his first-generation year/classes at the Rusty building on Guadalupe and 20 something street. He came across commanding as in knowledgeable yet gentle, aware of then uncommon territory (teaching). A man of great understanding and an equally wholesome heart. Was the kind of professor who would show up just as the student needed him. That is, he would enthusiastically lead, once it was clear to him that you wanted to advance. No baby-sitter he, but rather... a marvelous guide and mentor. I will forever behold him in my heart. Love You, Mr. Foshko.

Chris
Peace, passion, prosperity and freedom... always, all ways.

Audie Snyder

October 7, 2016

I took his Advanced Screenwriting class thru Continuing Education one semester. He was so kind, caring and concerned that we students got the most out of the class. He was very courteous as my script involved the world of Star Trek and the Professor wasn't familiar with it. Once I explained the key points of the show He really got me pumped up with his critique and suggestions.

May God accept him into the afterlife with open arms and enable Bob to enjoy the wonders of our universe! RIP Professor.

Patricia Key

May 9, 2016

I'll never forget the Foshkos. Love them all. Pat (Tink) Key.

Allan Muir

September 7, 2015

I worked with Bob at KCET, the PBS television station in Los Angeles in the late sixties and early seventies, directing all of the national programs that he produced or executive produced. Bob was a true genius and he mentored many, many of his collaborators, including me. When Bob started teaching at UT Austin in 1979, I was fortunate to be starting a three year stint directing Austin City Limits, where I could follow his work as a Professor. He showed many of our productions to his students, including "Jazz in the Round", the first national program broadcast in stereo. I remember when he pioneered the FOSHCAM, giving his students the opportunity to critique their work. He was an incredible producer and innovator, and those of us who had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him are very fortunate.

Liesl Gray Manone

September 6, 2015

Bob Foshko taught me how to tell a great story. He was a professor, a mentor, and a friend. A group of us who met in his classes still refer to ourselves as The Foshkites. He was a true mensch. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Ben Plopper

September 5, 2015

I wouldn't be half the writer I am today without Bob Foshko as a teacher and mentor. May he rest in peace. :-(

Erin Gerton Wagner

July 3, 2015

I just saw a Man from U.N.C.L.E poster at the movie theatre and it reminded me of Mr. Foshko. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my favorite and most influential professor at UT. I loved being in his classes, working as his TA, working for him in the summers, basically, every minute I got to spend with him. You were right, sir. Moving to LA was the right decision. Thank you for everything, Mr. Foshko. You will be missed.

Skip Tenczar

June 23, 2015

Bob was a dedicated teacher, mentor and colleague. He was a gentleman and I will always cherish his help and guidance when I was his Teaching Assistant and Assistant Instructor. Now that I am a university professor I sometimes hear Bob's words in my own presentations. He will be remembered!

Bob Nagy

June 1, 2015

Bob Foshko was one of the top 5 mentors in my life. He was an example of a true gentleman. Inspirational, compassionate and oh-so-swave. The measure of any life - is how many lives you touched. Bob spread his arms over so many..truly making this planet a better place.

Charles Kauffman

May 17, 2015

May 17th 2015
Bob and I roomed together off campus in Ann Arbor. Bob had a larger than life personality - as an usher at the Patio Theatre in Brooklyn he had seen Henry V numerous times and precisely memorized Oliver's St. Crispins Day speech and He had been in the Air Force in San Antonio. He had a career as a comic book writer. He pioneered the Omnibus science TV which was produced by the Universitty of Michigan in the 1950's. I spoke to one of the senior staff members in 1992 when by a strange coincidence my daughter who studied for a Masters in Ann Arbor rented a room from him. He was bigger than life, hilariously funny, and unforgettable.
Chuck Kauffman

Meghna Haldar

May 12, 2015

Bob was a gentleman teacher. And a great storyteller! I was his TA for a few years literally at the turn of the century, and enjoyed learning from him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

May 12, 2015

I will miss you Bob.
You taught me a lot.
Condolences to the family.
I'm sorry for your loss Adam.

Julia Hix

May 8, 2015

Dear Adam, I was just looking for an e-mail address to reach your father. And I found this. I am so sorry for your loss! I have so many memories of you and your father and I was reaching out to him to talk about that. Do you remember when you and I edited his Cancer Patient Documentary. For hours pouring over the footage. I found it ironic that 20 years later I would get and survive cancer and I wanted to see if I could go back and find that film. I am so sorry for your loss, Adam! He was a fantastic Professor, a really nice, kind and encouraging person to me! I was so hoping to find him back in the old CMB building. I still remembering the the brown Ford Mustang Convertible! I hope you are well Adam! Don't be a stranger, c'mon by for a visit! Julia Stielow Hix

Teresa Messineo Cameron

May 7, 2015

I just heard of his passing. Mr Foshko was a wonderful professor. He is the 1 person I point to from UT that had such an impact on my career. He was a wonderful mentor when I was in school and I appreciate all he gave to his students. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Teresa Messineo Cameron
University of Texas
Radio TV Film '92

Rich Tharp

May 6, 2015

Adam and family:

Mr. Bob Foshko was a brilliant screenwriting and television production mentor for struggling grad students. He'd been to the rodeo; even won some buckles. He taught us that in our industry, it's the story that matters above all.

Although he had seen personal loss, he still took interest in his students and their problems. He helped talk me into staying in school when it would have been easier to quit. I use the chops he helped me develop daily in my work, and shall always be grateful. My prayers for healing and peace for your difficult loss.

Tripper Clancy

May 6, 2015

In loving memory of a wonderful man and the best teacher I've ever had. I would not be where I am today without Bob's advice, support and thoughtfulness. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

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