Robert Thomas Ulbik, Sr., (Bob) age 75, of Wylie, Texas passed away April 10, 2012. He was born October 23, 1936 in Camden, New Jersey to Thomas and Helen Ulbik. As a young man Bob worked as a Fireman on the railroad. He also worked at the Philadelphia Shipyard and worked on the USS Nautilus the first nuclear powered submarine. He went into the service for the United States Navy from 1956 to 1958 and was part of the ground crew that worked on the Elite Blue Angels Aeronautical Team in Pensacola Florida. Bob graduated from Drexel University with a BA in Electrical Engineering in 1972. He worked for Sun Oil Company in Philadelphia in 1966 while attending school. He transferred to a subsidiary company, Oryx Energy in Dallas, Texas in 1976, where he was an International Project Manager until his retirement in 1992.
Bob traveled the world during his working years and loved the adventure of working in remote areas and many foreign countries. Bob embraced different cultures he had the privilege to visit, and was well versed in different culinary cuisines to the like and dislike of some in his family.
Bob was an accomplished Artist and produced many oil paintings to the delight of his family and friends. After retiring, Bob became a hands-on man when it came to his woodworking and craftsmanship skills. He made and refinished many beautiful pieces of furniture for himself and family. He was a handy man extraordinaire, a walking encyclopedia, a wine connoisseur and a loving man. Bob had the ability to pick a subject which he knew nothing about, learn everything he could about that subject, and then share what he learned with others, enriching people’s lives. Bob was computer savvy and embraced technology.
He is survived by his children, Robert Thomas Ulbik, Jr. and wife Martha of Rowlett, Texas, Kathleen Dixon and husband Harold of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Michael Ulbik and wife Donna of Irving, Texas and Eileen Ulbik and partner, Brad Elliott of Dallas, Texas. Grandchildren, Jenny Ulbik Tucker and husband Harrison, Robert Thomas Ulbik,III(Tommy), Mark Ulbik, Jessica Dixon, Travis Dixon and Nathan Ulbik. He is also survived by his former wife, Ann Ulbik of Richardson, Texas; sister, Andrea Brackin of Apopka, Florida; niece, Julie Andrade and husband, Diony and their children; nephew, Richie Brackin and wife, Kathy; and several step-children and step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his Mother Helen and Father Thomas Ulbik and his wife, Sue Ann Harper Ulbik in 2008.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 13, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel, Allen, Texas.