Roger Wayne Lord

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather

Mr. Roger Wayne Lord, 85, of Salamanca, NY died unexpectedly Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY.

Born July 3, 1935 in Bainbridge, NY, he was the son of the late Delevan and Mildred Colwell Lord. He was married on July 17, 1976 to Frances E. Steinbroner Reynolds, who survives. Previously, he had been married to Betty L. Amey Galandio, who also survives.

Roger was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1953, and attended Cornell University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and as a 2nd Lieutenant ROTC in 1957. After graduating, he worked for one year as an Assistant County Agricultural Agent in Lockport, NY. He then entered active duty in the US Air Force and served until 1961, Lt. Lord served in the Air Defense Command as an Intercept Director at various locations throughout the US as well as Greenland and Labrador.

He resumed employment with Cornell Cooperative Extension Service in 1961 where he worked for 20 years in the Counties of Cattaraugus, Columbia, and Onondaga. During this time he earned a Master's Degree from Columbia University in Missouri. He then relocated to New Mexico where he worked an additional 12 years before retiring and returning to Salamanca.

He was a member of the Riverside Chapel, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, the Salamanca Historical Society, the Olean General Hospital Auxiliary, AARP, and RPEA. He also volunteered at Olean General Hospital and the Meals on Wheels Program.

Roger enjoyed building model airplanes and had a strong interest in the Cold War and WWII histories.

Roger was known throughout the community as "the Candyman", delivering candy, well wishes, thank yous, and spreading cheer to nursing homes, businesses, friends, and family.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his 4 children: Denise “Denny” Lord, Salamanca, Christopher (Lanette) Lord, Virginia Beach, VA, Kelli Lord-Taylor, Salamanca, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Lord, Oneonta; 4 stepchildren, Robert (Donna) Reynolds, Jr., Salamanca, Shawn Reynolds, Buffalo, Daniel Reynolds, Olean, Sally (Steve) Reynolds Dumas, ME; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Nelson (Jeanette) Lord, Silver Springs, FL; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Teresa Grippin and a brother, Charles Lord.

Roger was well loved by all who knew him and will be sadly missed.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River St, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Riverside Chapel, Salamanca Area Historic Society, Olean General Hospital or Charity of donor's choice.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com.