Robert C. "Doc" Roback

Robert C. "Doc" Roback, DDS, of New Hartford and formerly of Utica, passed away, peacefully at his home, on July 26, 2024, with his wife and family by his side, having lived a wonderful 93 years.

He was born on December 23, 1930, in Utica, son of the late Joseph and Sadie Cieslak Roback. He graduated from Utica College and then received his DDS from the University of Buffalo in 1955. Robert served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957, when he was discharged with the rank of Captain. On November 13, 1955, he married Patricia Derdzinski in St. Stanislaus Church, Utica. They celebrated a wonderful 69 years together. In 1957, Robert opened his private dentistry practice, retiring in 2000.

He was a long-time parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church, where he served as a Trustee for 40 years and was, most recently, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church. He was a Past President of the Oneida Herkimer County Dental Society, a member of the New York State and American Dental Societies and a former Chairman of the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Utica.

Doc was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was especially proud of all his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was held especially dear by his patients and those who knew him appreciated his kindness, patience and understanding.

He had many diverse interests. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing of all kinds with friends, family and by himself. He was an accomplished carpenter, wood worker and furniture maker and continued to make quality furniture to the age of 90. He also enjoyed oil painting and even dabbled in taxidermy.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; and his four children, Dr. Robert II (Becky) Roback, of New Mexico, Kathleen (Alan) Orsino, New Hartford, Dr. James (Lyn) Roback, of Utica and David (Donna) Roback, of Deerfield. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, Chris (Kris) Randall, Anne-Marie (Matthew) Edmunds, Kathryn Orsino, Suzanne Orsino (Joe Critelli), Elizabeth (Christopher) Jennings, Sara (Patrick) Gifford, Joseph and Benjamin Roback, Mary Roback (Mike DePasquale), James (Meghan) Roback, Diana (Matt) Wiegand, Derek Roback (Emily Muscarella), Christine Roback (Drew Conway), Stephany (Michael) Scalzo, Stephen (Miranda) Roback and Kevin Roback; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Emmett and Ely Randall, Liam August, Madeline Elizabeth and Theo Alan Edmunds, Benjamin, Claire and Samuel Scalzo, Anthony Alan Orsino, Christopher Michael Jennings Jr., Cole Jerome and Callie Mae Gifford, Jack Conway, William Kai Roback, Emmett and Avery Roback and Blakely Weigand and two more great-grandchildren on the way; sisters-in-law, Clara Biedrzycki and Stephanie Roback; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, William, Bernard and Joseph; and his sister, Jacqueline Purnie.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sikder and Hospice for all their care and compassion for Doc.

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. The Funeral will be on Friday at 10 AM at Holy Trinity Church, 1214 Lincoln Ave., Utica, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thea Bowman House or Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of Doc.