Robert J. Risko M.D., age 79, of Athens, Texas, known to family and friends as Bob, died peacefully, Sunday, January 16, 2022 in Tyler, Texas following a lengthy illness. Doctor Risko had faithfully cared for the Athens’ community health needs for 46 years. Born Oct. 25, 1942 in Darby PA, the son of the late John Risko and Genevieve (Jean) Bates, the family moved to South Carolina with the textile industry in 1954 where Bob attended school in Batesburg and Pickens, SC and was a 1960 graduate of Pickens High School. Following graduation from The Citadel in 1964, Dr. Risko was commissioned an Air Force Medical Services Officer. During his military service he was stationed in San Antonio, TX where he worked with space scientists, astronauts, and Gen. George E. Schafer on the project to test the effects of high altitude and pressure on NASA pilots at the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base. He proudly served in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Bronze Star and many other decorations. Upon completing military service, he graduated from The Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston in 1972, followed by further studies at Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. He was recertified six times in the specialty of Family Medicine. In 1966, he met and married the love of his life Joyce Moore, a Texas native from Nixon, TX. In 1973, Dr. Risko joined the practice of medicine with Drs. Ben Johnson and Norris Holt at Medical Arts Clinic in Athens. Dr. Risko loved his family dearly, ballroom dancing, and sports; especially golf, college football, and the Dallas Cowboys. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 55 years Joyce, his three sons: Robert ‘Rob’ Risko, Jr., of Athens, Dr. Timothy ‘Toby’ Risko of Amarillo, and Scott Risko of Kingwood. Dr. Risko is also survived by his sister Kathleen Risko Linthwaite of Oregon as well as seven grandchildren; Rachel, John, Ben, Lacey, Blake, and twins Vivian and Charles Simon and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be as follows: Holy Rosary at Autry’s Carrol-Lehr on Thursday, January 20th at 8 p.m., Funeral Mass at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Friday, January 21st at 3:30 p.m. with graveside services at Athens City Cemetery followed by a reception at McNair Farm on Mill Run Road. Dr. Risko will lie in state from 1PM to 8PM on Thursday at the funeral home if you wish to visit.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at www.dav.org
Posted in: Athens Daily Review
Posted on: 2022-01-18
Link to original obituary: https://obituaries.athensreview.com/obituary/robert-j-risko-1084236789