Robert Charles Trabanino, 71, of Houston, Texas, passed away on June 25, 2026. Robert was born October 6, 1954 in Houston to Rudolph “Rudy” and Bobbye Jo Trabanino. He grew up in Clear Lake City with his parents and sister, Blair, where he graduated from Clear Creek High School. There he met the love of his life, Debra Butler.

In his youth, Robert developed an unabashed love for baseball when he played in the NASA Area Little League, begun by his father in 1965, and later played in by his own sons and, presently, his grandsons. He was known as the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggies class of 1978 where he studied Architecture and made lifelong memories.

After leaving Texas A&M, Robert and Debra settled in Friendswood where he took up architecture in earnest. Working with IBI Group, formerly Bay Architects, Robert had a notable career as a Project Architect and then Associate Principal, designing many beautiful and unique buildings for Texas, such as the San Jacinto College LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology building; the Galveston County Criminal Justice Center; and the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center building, that received prestigious awards, including the Houston Business Journal Landmark Award. Of all his projects, Robert was the proudest of the San Jacinto College Science and Allied Health Building, South Campus.

In retirement, Robert’s eye for beauty and fine detail appeared in his woodworking, a passion he held even in his A&M years. He used exquisite hardwoods and handmade joinery to create beautiful heirloom pieces for his family, such as bookshelves, cutting boards, a dining table to fit his entire family, and, his final project, a coffee mug cabinet. A “best day” for Robert would involve at least one trip (though some days he made many depending on how many times he neglected to measure twice) out to Clark’s Hardwood Lumber Co. in Houston.

A devout Catholic and avid traveler, Robert saw as much as the world as he could with his wife, making pilgrimages to various holy sites and churches. He regularly studied the Church’s sacred tradition, lives of the Saints, and scriptures, which provided him with strength and inspiration as he grew in holiness. He often said, “I’m ready to go when I go” when asked about his faith.

Robert was a friend to all. Likeable, funny, and engaging, he made all those around him feel welcome. To his family, he was the best man known to them.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, of nearly 49 years; son, Stephen, and wife, Julie; daughter, Andrea, and husband, Lance; daughter, Erica, and husband, Mark; son, Nolan, and wife, Regina; and nine grandchildren, who will always affectionately remember him as “Papaw.” He will be missed immensely.

A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 6:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E Medical Center Blvd, Webster, Tx 77598. Mass will be held on July 1, 2026 at 10:30 am at Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church, 300 Fm 517 Rd E, Dickinson, Tx 77539. A private service will be held on July 2, 2026 at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, Tx 77023.

In lieu of flowers, Robert’s family requests that donations be made to the NASA Area Little League. https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=Q7ULH4NVSMN2S