Robert D Banfield
Robert D Banfield, 59, passed away on June 29, 2023, in Houston, Texas. He was born on July 11, 1963, in Ithaca, New York to Harry and Pat Banfield. Rob is survived by: his wife, Kirsten; son, Peter (Natalie); daughter, Erika (Austin) Habecker; siblings, Bill (Marylin) Banfield, Carol (Sally) Banfield, Terri Zifchock, Sally Klein, and Don (Michele) Banfield; and numerous family members and friends.
He earned a Bachelors in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Masters in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University. Rob worked as an Engineer for NASA in a variety of capacities for 36 years, most recently as ISS Safety Chair for the ISS Safety Review Panel. He had a passion for space exploration, loved to kayak, barbecue and share dad jokes.
A memorial will be held on Friday, July 7th, at 4:30 pm at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, 1511 El Dorado Blvd. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial donation in Rob’s memory may do so to Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, Texas, 77507.
A stand up guy.taken way too young.
RIP
Rob Banfield was a Steely-Eyed Missle Man. I enjoyed working with him when we served in Misson Operations Directorate. My condolesences to his family. May Our Lord of All Comfort, comfort you in your sorrow. John 11:25, 26.
Rev. Larry Chase
Rob was an intelligent, and funny guy. I will always treasure memories of our time together starting up the Russian Interface Officer position, and later various MOD/FOD leadership positions. Most sincere condolences to family and friends.
To the Banfield Clan
May each of you hold the love you felt for Rob always.
I had the privilege of being on Rob’s PAYLOADS flight controller team when I first started my career at JSC. Part of his mentoring instilled a basic work ethic of “doing your homework and being prepared,” but more importantly he demonstrated to be kind and take good care of the people around you. I recall many side conversations with him at the time about his young family, to whom he was clearly devoted. In the many years since, occasional visits convinced me that he was still the same person through and through – a man who cared about those around him, did a great job – and prepared others to also do so- and enjoyed a good story. I know the Banfield family already knows this, but you can be proud of his time at NASA; he was exceptional. May God bless your family at this time.
So so sorry for your loss and our loss as well.
So sorry for the Family’s loss.
Mr Banfield and I crossed paths in the ISS Safety Review Panel meetings which he chaired. He was well respected.
Please accept my prayers and condolences for Rob’s passing. I was honored to have worked with him on the ISS Program. I look forward to working with him, again.
For a great chairman,
Sincere Sympathy
Rob was a genuine, kind and caring person. It was a privilege to work with him. His loss is profound, but he leaves us all better for having known him.
Rob was a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend. He taught me so much. May wonderful memories and your faith bring you peace and comfort during this time. He will be missed by all.