We are saddened to report that Robert Wordinger, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology & Immunology, passed away on Friday, Jan. 23, after a long illness.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the First United Methodist Church, 521 W. Pipeline Road, in Hurst. Dr. Wordinger’s obituary will be included in Daily News as soon as it is available — we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. The UNTHSC Values flag will remain at half-staff through Friday in his honor.
"Dr. Robert Wordinger came to the health science center when it was just TCOM," said Thomas Yorio, PhD, Provost, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor. "He arrived a year after I did in 1978. During his tenure he served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and as Director of Research for the North Texas Eye Research Institute. Bob was an outstanding educator, mentor and researcher. He trained many students throughout his career and was most proud of their accomplishments. He was a caring and thoughtful leader who was always there to listen and provide encouragement. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, students and friends at the health science center."
Anuja Ghorpade, PhD, Chair of Cell Biology & Immunology, said, "I am deeply sorry about Dr. Robert Wordinger’s demise. The Cell Biology department at UNTHSC was his home for more than 35 years. He was a wonderful colleague, an inspiring mentor and a glorious human being. Indeed, Dr. Wordinger was a role model, and like a father figure to many of us, including students, staff and faculty alike. His unwavering positive outlook to life was a constant inspiration. It is a tragic loss and we will greatly miss him; yet, his memory will live on as a positive imprint in everyone’s life he touched."
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Wordinger’s family requests that memorial gifts be made to UNTHSC’s Wordinger scholarship fund. Those interested may give online and note the funds are for the Wordinger Scholarship, or account 97129, in the "designation" box. Gifts also may be made by mail.