Joseph J. Robuck

Joseph J. Robuck, 93, of Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away Friday afternoon, Feb. 6, 2026, at UPMC Altoona. He was the youngest of six sons born to the late Joseph and Anna (Pelikan) Robuck. Joe was the last remaining member of his immediate family.

He was a 1952 graduate of Altoona High School, and a member of the Marching and Jazz Bands.

Joe was proud of his Polish heritage-both parents being born in Poland. He understood the history of that country and also spoke the language. Joe was a life member of the Polish National Alliance (PNA) and a lifetime member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Brotherhood.

He was also a former life member of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). He was proficient on several instruments and involved in performing and teaching for over 70 years. Many of his former students are still in the music business.

Although primarily a jazz player, he enjoyed the challenge of playing different genres, as diverse as Les Paul to Liberace. Some of the many performers were: Della Reese, Gordon McRae, the Hi-Los, Four Aces, Vaughn Monroe, Tommy Newsome (the Johnny Carson show), Cab Calloway (the Blues Brother Movie) and many more.

Joe was the bass player for most of the musicals at the Mishler Theatre.

As a U.S. Army Corporal during the Korean War, he auditioned as a trumpet player and won a position with the 7th Army Symphony in Stuttgart, Germany. The symphony disbanded due to a lack of string players, (the draft had ended at this time).

Joe was placed in Special Services and traveled throughout Germany with a small jazz band playing concerts and doing twice weekly radio shows on the armed forces network to GIs stationed in Germany, France and wherever the AFN reached.

After his discharge, he returned to Altoona to begin his long musical career.

As a trumpet player, he was offered the opportunity to play in the Ralph Marterie Band (popular at that time) and later was asked to join trombonist Sy Zentner's Big Band as an acoustic/electric bass player.

Not wanting to travel anymore, he decided to stay in this area. After receiving an associate degree in Business Administration (which he never used), he concentrated on his performing and teaching. Joe was fortunate to have played with the very best musicians in the area.

He was especially grateful to special nephews, nieces and their spouses for their help during his medical troubles.

Joe was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church (formerly Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church).

At the request of the deceased there will be no viewing. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Private inurnment will be at Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery Perpetual Care Endowment, c/o Independent Catholic Foundation, 3618 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1, Altoona, PA 16602. https://icf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1156