Conesus Lake: December 6, 2014 at age 67 after a long battle with COPD and Emphysema. Predeceased by parents Rudy and Irene Novak. Survived by wife Linda (Frear); son Brett (Heather Graning Novak); granddaughter Nadia Clare Novak. Niece & nephew in law Heather & Chad Petersen. Aunts Betty Romanowski and Dolores Kohler. Frear Family, Szczech, Romanowski & Kohler cousins.
Graduate of Aquinas Institute, MCC, University of Arizona, post grad studies at U of R Institute of Optics. Honorary life member Optical Society of America, Member of SPIE, Board Member and former Secretary of Board of American Precision Optics Manufacturing Association. He was a Professor Emeritus at MCC, Chair of Optical Engineering Technology Department from 1975-2008, Chair of MCC Engineering Technology Division, Member of 32nd degree Shrine Unity Lodge #457 Rochester, and past member of the Livonia Board of Education. He was a member of Oak Hill Country Club for 27 years where he played lousy golf. He excelled in his roll of Play-Doh assistant and Barbie Doll dresser for his adored boss Nadia.
Bob was proud of his long association with the optics industry both locally and nationally. He set high standards for the optics program and his students at MCC.
His family would like to extend sincere thanks to the wonderful staff, nurses and doctors at Strong 8-1600. Also love and thanks to all of our family and friends.
As per Bob’s wishes, calling hours and services will not be observed. Memorials may be made to Livonia Ambulance Fund, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487 or charity of choice. Also, a special request to help the ones you love to stop smoking. Arrangements Kevin W Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Livonia – Honeoye. To send a condolence or for further information please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
To the Novak family,
I offer sincere condolences for your loss. I was shocked to learn of Bob’s death. I was a student at MCC from ’74-’76. What a great guy; It was Bob’s enthusiasm and encouragement that drove me to continue further studies and a career in Optics. Our paths crossed many times over the years at various functions and Bob always had a smile and a story. He will be missed by everyone in the Optical community and his contributions will not be forgotten.
Thought and prayers.
To the Novak family. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I knew him for many, many years at MCC and he always made me smile and I enjoyed every time I saw him. He will be missed. God bless him and your entire family.
Our condolences to Linda and Bret. We always enjoyed talking and joking around with Bob. He will be missed.
Linda and Brett
I am so sorry about your loss. I worked with Bob for a long time at MCC, the last few years were worked together, I was his program assistant trying to recruit new students into the Optics program. He was always there with an ear to listen and a hand to help. He will be sorely missed.
Nancy Schlinger
Linda and family – I just saw this in the newspaper today. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs.
I was a student, Bob was a teacher, but we were of the same age when we met at MCC.
Bob was a good guy.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Don Hilliard ’73 MCC, ’79 U of A
Linda & Brett,
So Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob was a wonderful person and always made me smile.
Joey Lynn and Family.
Linda,Brett and Nadia,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss my dear friend Bob greatly.
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Bob. I first met him as my professor at MCC. He was a dynamic teacher that made learning easy. Later in life we became distant neighbors in Livonia and when I ran into him he always had a smile on his face and friendly greeting. His contributions to the students of the Optical Engineering Program will be missed, I’m sure.
Eileen Kemp