Daniel Bontempo Obituary

Daniel E. Bontempo, Jr

July 2, 1959 – September 26, 2022

Daniel Edward Bontempo, Jr, 63, unexpectedly passed away in Lubbock, TX on September 26, 2022. Daniel was universally described by those who knew him as brilliant, highly intuitive and perceptive, and generous to all, particularly those less fortunate. Although Daniel left us suddenly, his impact will be long remembered by his many friends within varied communities, in particular peers at Texas Tech University, members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Lubbock, the many members of the Nittany Mineralogical Society and Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society as well as fellow rockhound enthusiasts across the country.

Daniel, born in New Orleans, LA, received a BA in Computer Science from Loyola University in New Orleans and both a Master of Science in Developmental Psychology and PhD in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis on Quantitative Methodology from Penn State University. His professional career included employment at Texas A& M where he served as a shipboard computer scientist with the Ocean Drilling Program, Research Associate at University of Kansas, and Research Professor of Practice in the College of Education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Daniel loved spoiling his three cats, sipping a glass of fine port, and savoring Peking Duck. He would not visit family in Houston or San Antonio without a trip to the local Asian markets for a (usually several) Peking Duck(s) for the road trip back to Lubbock. His greatest love was lapidary arts and, in fact, if you had seen the thousands of rocks on shelving in his backyard, you would know it was a hobby of exuberant excess…a true passion. Daniel devoted much of his interest and time in sharing his knowledge of mineralogy and geosciences with others, hosting discussions, and presenting lapidary demonstrations, but mostly encouraging a fascination with the history and science of gems, fossils, and artifacts. His own lapidary work showed a keen interest in stones with landscape patterns.

Daniel is survived by his father, Daniel Bontempo, Sr., his brother, Stephen, and sister, Susan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Kelly Bontempo, and brother, Timothy.

Daniel's memorial service will be at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Lubbock on December 10th, at 10:00 am, and will be streamed virtually. There will be an opportunity for all who wish to share a small remembrance of Daniel to do so. The zoom link is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84624783692pwd=WE05WThuK21wbXU1TDREdDYzejMydz09

Meeting ID: 846 2478 3692, Passcode: 578346

We respectively ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to South Plains SPCA who has been graciously fostering Daniel's three cats while they await forever homes.