Obituary of Robert Lipkin

Robert A. (Bob) Lipkin, age 60, of Ballston Spa, NY died suddenly at his residence on February 28, 2014. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Bob resided in Brooklyn, NY in his earlier years and lived in Albany most of his life. He attended Albany High School. Bob's early career was General Manager for Cablevision and he traveled the country extensively in that capacity. Bob later became a small business owner, owning several franchise restaurants. In 1997 he found his life's passion, which was alcohol and substance abuse counseling and in 1998, he earned his certification as a CASAC. Having achieved sobriety that lasted 18 years until his passing, Bob was very active in the 12 Step Community in Saratoga. Through his work and his life Bob mentored and counseled hundreds of individuals in their recovery. Bob was an avid bass fisherman and loved his time spent on the water. He was also a lifelong Yankee fan and played baseball locally, playing 2nd base and pitching. One of his favorite times was planning his many trips to Florida to visit with his parents. Bob loved the warm Florida weather and deep sea fishing. Bob is survived by his parents, Rita and Arthur Lipkin, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of Albany, NY,his brother, Michael Lipkin (Beth) of Rockland County and his two daughters, Rebekah Magin (Gregory) of Troy, NY and Robin Robinson (Eddie) of Saratoga. He was the pround grandfather of Aja Lipkin, Judah Robinson, Ivy Robinson, Julia and Emerson Magin. He is also survived by Pamela (Harrington ) Lipkin and Beth Byrne both of Saratoga Springs, NY. Bob was blessed by a large, loving extended family. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Max and Sadie Lipkin and Ida and Seymour Goetz. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in the Hebrew Tailors Cemetery in Guilderland, NY . An open and public celebration of Bob's life will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs from 3-7 pm with a memorial service being held from 6 to 7pm. Those wishing to remember Bob in a special way may make a memorial contribution to HMB District 5, S.T.A.S. PO Box 111, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.