Obituary of Roger K. Harvey

Roger K. Harvey, age 82 of Niskayuna, NY died on Wednesday morning, February 4, 2015 at his residence. Born in Troy, NY, Roger was a Schenectady area resident most of his life. He graduated with honors from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady where he played football and Tennis. He later received his bachelors degree in social studies from Union College, class of 1954 and was on the deans list.Roger later received his Masters degree in 1956 from the former Albany State Teachers College. He was an Army veteran and served from 1956-1958 and played the bagpipes for the Second US Army Band. Roger played at several Presidential Inaugurations, including Presidents Nixon and Eisenhower. In 1959, Roger was the first full time director of the Rotterdam Parks Department.. He was a school teacher and taught social studies for 34 years at both Oneida and Central Park Middle Schools. He retired in 2001. Roger had been the proprietor of the Holiday Liquor Store on upper Union Street in Schenectady for 25 years and also served as Physical Education Director at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center and also served as a board member. . Roger was an avid sports fan and loved the Giants, Dodger and Celtics. He also enjoyed spending time in his garden and swimming in his pool. Roger also enjoyed traveling, reading, swimming and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a mason and was a member of the Schenectady Masonic Lodge, the Scottish rite and the Cypress Temple. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 54 years. Marilyn Black Harvey, his children, Jill Emigh and her husband Jim of Hopewell Junction, NY, Susan Hanson and her husband Brett of Gilbert Arizona and and Lance Harvey and his wife Lisa of Niskayuna, NY, He also leaves a sister, Beverly Packer of Niskayuna, NY and adored grandchildren, Giulian, Jaeden, Taylor, Brayden Cassidy, Cooper and Alexa as well as several nieces and nephews. Roger was predeceased by his brother, Clayton Harvey. Services at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Avenue Schenectady, NY on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery on Watt Street in Schenectady, Those wishing to remember Roger in a special way may make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union Street Schenectady, NY 12308 or Congregation Gates of Heaven. The period of mourning will be observed at the Harvey residence, 1266 Sagemont Court in Niskayuna on Saturday evening, Sunday and Monday