Harry Roy

Brunswick - Professor Harry Roy, 74, of Riding Club Road died Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Cincinnati, OH, he was son of the late Major Roscoe A. Roy, who died in the Normandy Invasion, and Dorothy Sue McCall; stepson of the late James Ross, and husband for 49 years of Sharon Seiler Roy. He was raised in Peekskill, NY, and Raynham, MA and lived in the Troy area for the past 42 years. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Brown University in Providence and his Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. 

Professor Roy served in the Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy for 42 years. A lifelong scholar, he enjoyed research, but truly loved teaching, constantly seeking ways to make science come alive for his students.  

An enthusiastic choral singer, he performed with Albany Pro Musica, Saint Paul's Choristers and Burnt Hills Oratorio Society.  He and his wife enjoyed traveling abroad, especially to France, where they established close friendships.  A lover of opera, chamber music and theater, he attended countless local performances and others around the country and in Europe. He was a frequent contributor of letters and opinion pieces, advocating for the environment and for the support of science in public decision-making.

He will be remembered for his quiet wit, his kindness and generosity, and love of life.

Survivors in addition to his wife include a son, James William Roy and daughter-in-law Frances Bolton, Jackson Heights, NY; two sisters, Suzanne Roy, State College, PA and Jamie (Craig) Howard, North Billerica, MA; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Seiler, Hagerstown, MD and a host of cherished friends and family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service which will be held 11 am Friday, July 20, 2018 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church State and Third Streets, Troy, with Rev. Michael Gorchov, Rector.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Professor Harry Roy to the charity of one's choice. 

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