To my best friend Joe Novotny.  Your brother Bob was a really kind and generous person.  I feel so fortunate to have known him.

One of my fondest memories of Bob was visiting you in the Hospital for Special Surgery with Paulette.  I knew you would be laid up for a while so I presented you with an issue of Outdoor Life.  Bob was very funny that night, going along with several of our Abbott and Costello skits.  When we left your hospital room for the evening Paulette, Bob and I walked for what seemed to be an hour before we found a restaurant for a late dinner.  It was always great to be in the company of Bob.  His kindness was repeated many times for me personally as well.  When I had surgeries, Bob would always call me to see how I was doing.

We were all very fortunate to know Bob.  I consider him to be one of my best friends.  I will miss him and I know that he is in a place where he is surrounded by love.

God Bless You, Bob

Bobby,

Thank you for all of our enlightening and colorful conversations. You had a gift for making our work days go by so much faster with your clever humor and endless music knowledge. We may not have agreed on everything, but you were a consummate civilized gentleman who could counter talking points respectfully—a real class act and man of strong character. I will honestly miss our debates and your genuine life advice. You will truly be missed.

Love, 
Tamster

Bob,

I’m so lucky to have had you as a part of my life. You will always be a brother to me. You had such an unquenchable thirst for music and life.  I will forever miss our conversations from breaking down certain music tracks and finding those hidden details that get overlooked. Even though we had similar and different views on our favorites and legends, we always found a common ground. And don’t it seem like kicks just keep gettin’ harder to find…. We probably sang that verse more than any other tune. 

I couldn’t have ever asked for a better friend.  In life. You always encouraged me to pickup that six string again. I’ll always treasure those morning conversations and texts.  Giving me your input and feedback. It’s just something that can’t be replaced or replicated. I can still remember that Kiss concert in Hershey Pa and then our midnight voyage to Gettysburg following the concert. We had such a great time doing just about anything. The memories will forever live on and that can never be taken away. 

Rest in Peace and one day we will meet again. 
Love you brother  🎸 ❤️ 

I’m so sorry for your loss Joe and Paulette. I just want you to know that if you need anything at all, never hesitate to ask.

Sweet Bobby,
I will miss you more than words can express… there is a hole in my heart.  All the concerts, good food, great laughs, texting, and pictures. During a blizzard, I finally convinced you to stay with us instead of driving home and what fun we had!! Making soup and cookies together, staying up late and watching old films! Thank you for everything!! I love you! 
Joe and Paulette… our deepest sympathies to you…we are here for you, now and forever
All my love,
Erica

Baby Lee,
You are and always will be my best friend. You taught me all I needed to know about work and life.  I enjoyed all the concerts and side jobs we did together. You were always there when I needed you. Rest in peace my friend… I love you,
Al

Bob was my best friend and I always considered him more like family. More than 30 years of memories and he always had a way of making me smile. It was truly impossible to be down when in his company. He taught me a lot about life and I consider myself a better person for having known him. Some people shine a little brighter and “The Bobcat” was certainly one of them. 

I will miss our daily texts and phone calls. You left this world much too early but your energy and spirit will forever be with me. You made my world a better place and leave behind a void that can never be filled. I will miss you everyday. Rest easy my friend…

To Joe and Paulette we are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Love - Michael and Kelly

For nearly 50 years he was like a brother to me. Always the first to be there when I needed a hand. We had so many great times and memories. You will be missed my brother. RIP. To Joe and Paulette our sincerest condolences. Love Mike and Debbie Andretta

OBITUARY

Robert Francis Novotny

October 13, 1953 – March 12, 2026

Leber Funeral Home

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