Robert John Argauer

Robert J. Argauer, 88, passed away in his sleep on December 29, 2025, at his home of 60 years in Kensington, Maryland. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Connie, who died in 2017. 

Bob was born on February 23, 1937 in Kaisertown, Buffalo, NY of parents John and Martha Argauer. Surviving  Bob are five children:  David, Chris, Eddie, Tim, and Mary Rozada, each married respectively to Barbara, Beth, Flore, Betsy, and Erwin. 

Bob loved his 13 grandsons and two granddaughters to whom he would generously give gifts. His younger brother, John, is a religious brother who served as a missionary and is now retired in Maryknoll, NY.  

Bob earned his undergraduate degree from Canisius College, NY.  Under the Army bill, he was sent to California only to soon return east due to the end of the Korean War. He entered the University of Maryland earning a PhD in chemistry.  Bob worked in Camden, NJ for Mobil Oil where he invented and patented ‘ZSM-5’, a catalyst widely used in petroleum refinement. He later worked for USDA Agricultural Research Service writing a plethora of scientific papers relating to his dissertation on chemical fluorescence.

Bob learned to ski late in life, taking his family to Stowe, VT when he was 51. Many ski trips followed to Colorado, Utah, and California. He was also dedicated to tennis, instilling a love of the game in his children as well. He enjoyed spending time at Rehoboth Beach and the Outer Banks with his family for over 30 years.

His interest in auctions, coins, stamps, antiques, and rare china was unmatched. Also, he tended a vegetable garden to produce his beloved tomatoes and zucchinis. Proficient in chess, he held a highly graded chess score and always welcomed a challenge. He also enjoyed card games like bridge, poker, and gin rummy.

Charitable contributions can be given to Maryland Right to Life foundation. 

Visitation will begin at 12 noon on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Holy Redeemer Church in Kensington, MD; where the Funeral Mass will begin at 1pm.  A reception will follow at Chris and Beth Argauer’s home in Olney, MD.  The interment will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 11:30 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.