Roger F. Ehlert was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather, who will be greatly missed, his family said.

He died on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at Albany Medical Center, with his family by his side, following an eight-month battle against lung cancer. He was 75.

Mr. Ehlert was born in Buffalo, New York on Sept. 20, 1943, to Frederick C. and Catherine E. (née Best) Ehlert. He graduated from Riverside High School in Buffalo in 1961.

In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served for four years. After completing his military service, he enrolled at the University of Buffalo, earning a bachelor’s degree in management and, subsequently, earning a master’s degree in business administration.

He was employed by the State of New York for over 27 years, retiring in 2006 from the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform.

On Feb. 14, 1981, he married Roberta L. Bancroft, and together they raised two children, Brendan and Eileen.

“Roger had many interests,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Throughout his life, he loved being outdoors, doing any number of things, including fishing/boating, birding, gardening, and hiking.

“He was an avid reader, and could be found most nights in his recliner, with a cat curled up on his lap, reading a book or magazine. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.”

He was a member of St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Altamont, where he has been an active participant for over 30 years.