Roy Larson

Roy W. Larson died on Saturday, March 15 at the age of 91 after a long life well-lived. Born in Buffalo, NY he was the son of Helen and Oscar Larson.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Roy spent his youth working many jobs to help the family survive through very difficult times. In summers he was sent to a family farm in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania where he wasn't paid but could eat as much as he wanted. Those of you who know Roy understand that it would have been cheaper to pay him.After graduating from Kenmore High School, he became a tool and die maker at Bell Aircraft.

The day following the bombing of Pearl Harbor he went to enlist in the Marines but because of his flat feet he enlisted in the Navy to become a fighter pilot instead. After receiving his wings, Roy married Elizabeth Riling at the chapel at Pensacola Naval base. She was the mother of his children.

Roy proudly served in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater during the Philippine Liberation flying missions from the aircraft carrier USS Lunga Point. The "crates", as he referred to them, were SNJs and Hellcats. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1943, having earned a Purple Heart for being shot at and injured by Japanese aircraft. Being a fighter pilot was a defining moment in Roy's life.

Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, Roy earned his teaching degree from Buffalo State Teachers College, and went on to earn Master's degrees from Oswego and Albany State Universities. His teaching career began at Nott Terrace High School as an Industrial Arts teacher. He was also assistant football coach and was responsible for the creation of a wrestling team. Moving into the newly constructed Linton High School, he took on the roles of Assistant Principal, Principal of the Vocational Center and Director for Adult Education. He touched the lives of many students who remember him for his toughness and compassion. Many still respectfully refer to him as Mr. Larson even though many are in their 70's.

Roy was an avid hunter, fisherman, and conservationist with a true love of the outdoors. He was an accomplished snow and water skier. He could build houses and fix almost anything. Roy passed on his love of reading to his daughters. As Trustee of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Schenectady he was responsible for the construction of the choir loft. His waterfowl carvings were sold by Ducks Unlimited and auctioned on WMHT. Roy was a long-time member of the Beukendaal Masonic Lodge. He wrote several journals of his various life experiences.

In 1981, Roy and Judith Calvelli were married and have shared a wonderful life, travelling to many countries and cities in the world. They enjoyed theater and dining out with friends, anniversary excursions including hot air balloon and helicopter rides. Extremely proud of his Swedish heritage, a trip to Sweden afforded him the opportunity to be photographed astride the same wooden Dala horse that his father had sat upon many years before.

Roy will be remembered for his wit, openness, congeniality, his warm smile and mischievous blue eyes. He was a true man's man, as well as a Renaissance man. We have been enriched by having had Roy in our lives.

He is survived by his daughters Barbara (Terry) Jones, and Linda (David) York, his grandchildren Lauren (Marvin) Kitchens, Nikki (Jeff) Denney, Marcus York and Matthew Jones and his great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Avery, Jessie, Cooper, Elizabeth and Ben, also by his loving family in Buffalo, as well as his wife's family and their dear friends. He was predeceased by this brother Richard, Sister Ruth and first wife Elizabeth.

Calling hours will be at the Newcomer Canon Funeral Home, New Karner Road, Colonie, N.Y. on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. - noon, followed by a gathering for the celebration of Roy's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association.