Robert Joseph Zider

With broken hearts we must announce that Robert Joseph Zider, age 35 has passed away. He was found deceased on April 25th at home in Cibolo, Tx, due to natural causes following an accidental fall. Robert was born in Reading, Berkshire, England on October 22, 1989 to Vance and Lynn Zider and was a beloved little brother to Vance Zider, Jr.

As an Air Force child Robert lived in England, California, South Korea, Hawaii, and Texas. Robert graduated with honors from Winston Churchill H.S. where he enjoyed physics classes and Band. Robert was a talented and passionate trumpet player, earning recognition as an All State trumpeter in Texas. Robert entered the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University where he studied orchestral music. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration in Music. Robert was assigned to Hansen College (his dormitory) and loved the deep traditions and rituals associated with and expected from Hansen residences. He played on the Rice Rugby team and enjoyed the sport and comradery. Upon graduation, Robert taught private trumpet lessons and led Master Trumpet classes in Jr. High and High schools in the San Antonio area. During this time, Robert developed a device to aid in teaching correct wind flow with instruments and was awarded a patent for his Dyna-Mute. Robert was a hard worker for several large companies following his transition from Music. He always earned high praise from co-workers, management, and those he led.

Robert was an avid firearms enthusiast and often placed at the top in his divisions of Falling Steel Competitions and IDPA matches. His hobbies also included mountain biking, camping and hiking. He enjoyed cooking and will be missed as our family Grill-Meister. Robert had a deep love for animals and his faithful dog Rambo stayed by Robert’s side until the end.

Robert is survived by his parents, Vance and Lynn Zider, brother Vance Zider, Jr., uncles Douglas Zider (Sheila), Luke Biggs (Anne), aunt Ellen Morse (Tom), and numerous cousins and his beloved pet, Rambo.

He was preceded in death by his dear grandparents, Ray and Jacqueline Chmiel and John Zider, Clark and Carolyn Biggs.

We are grateful to all of his teachers and mentors throughout his years. Robert will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 16th at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church beginning at 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. Afterward a procession will lead to a graveside committal at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.