Obituary of Robert J. LaComb, Sr.

Robert John LaComb Sr., 97, formally of Adams, NY passed away on August 30, 2024 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse NY after a brief illness. Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Born in May 23,1927 in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of Melvin A. LaComb and Merle MçCracken LaComb. He graduated from Adams Center High School. He received a Degree in Technical Engineering from SUNY Canton and he also attained advanced degrees from SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Oswego in the field of Technology and Media Education Management. Bob married Elva Jean Moore of Henderson, NY. on January 7, 1950 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Adams NY. They would have celebrated their 75th anniversary this coming January. Bob started his working career during his sophomore year in High School by helping his father open the LaComb Market in Adam’s Center, NY. During his senior year he managed the LaComb Market in Smithville, NY. After graduating from college in 1947 he joined IBM as a Customer Engineer in New York City. In 1983 he retired from IBM in Endicott, NY as the Education Planning and Development Manager. During his time at IBM Bob helped pioneer the use of Television and Kinescopes as teaching devices in the classroom. He also helped pioneer the use of “Computer Assisted Instruction” at remote education centers. His second career was at Jefferson Community College, Watertown, NY. He retired in 1994 as an Associate Professor. Bob is survived by his wife, Elva, and seven children. Charles LaComb (Mary Ellen) Clay, NY; Julene LaComb Andrews (Duane) Smethport, PA; Brian LaComb (Sandra) Bedford, PA; Stanley LaComb (Michele) Conklin, NY; Steven LaComb (Arelis) Burnt Hill, NY; Robert LaComb, Jr. (Shawn) Joy, NY; Arthur LaComb (Andrea) Auburn, IN; 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Bernard James and William David and sister Mary Petrie. Bob was active in the community on both a volunteer and leadership basis. He served on various committees for the Belleville Henderson School District. He served as a volunteer Computer Consultant for the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County and the Disabled Persons Action Organization. He was a past board member of the Henderson Free Library, the South Jefferson Senior Housing Committee, the Jefferson County Economic Development Corp., the North County Affordable Housing, Inc. and a trustee of the North Country Library System. He was a life member of the Henderson Historical Society. Bob especially enjoyed his children whom he referred to as his greatest joy and asset. He always enjoyed their individual and group visits. Funeral arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Calling hours are from 4 PM to 7PM on Thursday, September 5th. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Adams NY on Friday, September 6th at 11 AM. Burial will be in the Saint Cecilia’s Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. The family has requested no flowers. Donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Disabled Persons Action Organization, mailing address to the “DPAO Foundation”, 1291 Faichney Dr., Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com