Norbert J. Robak

GANSEVOORT -

Norbert J. Robak was born on May 6, 1932, in Adams, MA, and passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by his family. 

He was the son of Clara (Ostrobinsky) Robak and Joseph A. Robak. A 1951 graduate of Adams High School, Norb entered the U.S. Army the following year and served in Wiesbaden, Germany until 1954. He later attended Alliance Technical School in Cambridge Springs, PA, earning an associate's degree in Tool & Die.

Norb began his career with Raytheon and Spencer Labs in Waltham, MA. In 1956, he joined The Six Pages of Dixie, playing guitar and banjo as the group performed throughout the New England states. He later worked for Microwave Associates in Burlington, MA, where he designed jigs and fixtures used in the historic Apollo 11 moon mission. He continued his career at Varian Associates in Beverly, MA for five years before relocating to Gansevoort, NY in 1973.

There, Norb began a new chapter at BOCES in Saratoga Springs. Throughout more than 20 years of service, he held numerous roles and ultimately retired in 1995 as the Vocational Director of Job Placement, partnering with local businesses to create work study opportunities for students. He earned his B.S.S. in Education from SUNY Albany in 1982.

In 1985, Norb joined the Dixie Daddies, a hot jazz group that performed on all the Lake George Boat Company vessels, including the historic Ticonderoga II prior to its dismantling in 1993. The group was later renamed The Steel Pier Jazz Band. Norb played both guitar and banjo with skill, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the music. He also performed many summer afternoons at the Saratoga Racetrack.

Norb was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Dorothy Long, and brother in law, Dale Long of Palm Coast, FL; and his nephew, Johnny Long of Colorado. He was recently predeceased by his longtime companion, Marilyn Smith of South Glens Falls, NY. Together, they spent many winters in Brooksville, FL, enjoying sunshine, warm weather, and every live music event they could find.

He leaves behind his daughter, Kimberly Miller; son in law, Alfred Miller III; and granddaughter, Sydney Miller of Queensbury. He is also survived by his nephew, Dale Long Jr.; wife, Angela Condy Long; their daughter Riley Long of Saratoga Springs; and their son, Dale Long III of Malta. Additionally, he is survived by his former wife, Carol (Robak) Haseltine of Flagler Beach, FL.

A private burial will be held at the Gansevoort Cemetery in the spring for family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com

Poetic Tribute (From His Daughter)

My dad made music with his hands

and warmth with his heart -

gifts he shared generously

with everyone around him.

From the rhythm of a banjo line

to the soft hum of tools well used,

he built a life of purpose -

carefully, joyfully,

piece by piece.

Though his song has ended,

I still hear it -

in the memories we hold,

the stories we share,

and in every quiet melody

that brings him back to me.

His legacy lives on

in the lives he touched,

the lessons he taught,

and the love he so freely gave.

I will carry him with me -

always.