It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Robert Zeller, who died peacefully on December 16, 2025. Dr. Zeller was a pioneering child neurologist, a gifted teacher and researcher, and a beloved member of the Texas Children’s community whose influence will continue to be felt for generations.
Among the first child neurologists in Houston, Dr. Zeller quickly became one of the city’s most sought-after specialists. He was appointed Chief of Pediatric Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital just four years after completing his training and served in that role for five years, helping shape the field through clinical excellence, mentorship and leadership. Despite heavy clinical demands, he made significant contributions to medical literature, with highly cited work advancing the understanding of complex pediatric neurologic conditions.
Dr. Zeller was known for his unwavering devotion to patients, families, students and colleagues. A “true master of instilling trust and confidence,” he combined deep medical expertise with compassion, optimism and humor, qualities that earned him the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award in 2015. He often said his patients gave more to him than he gave to them, a belief that guided his care and leadership.
In 1993, Dr. Zeller was named Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, and in 2005 he became Chief of the Blue Bird Circle Clinic at Texas Children’s. One of his most enduring legacies began when he learned that children with epilepsy were excluded from summer camps. His response led to the creation of Camp For All, funded through $12 million in fundraising efforts. Since its founding, Camp For All has served more than 100,000 children, adolescents and adults with disabilities.
While we mourn Dr. Zeller’s passing, we celebrate a life defined by service, generosity and humanity. His legacy will continue to inspire our commitment to the patients and families we serve. We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his wife, Susan, and their family.