Lehner, Richard M. Sr.

GLENMONT- Richard “Dick” M. Lehner Sr., 83, passed away on April 19, 2017 at home surrounded by his family after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Albany NY he was the son of Max and Josephine Lehner. He attended St. James Elementary school and served as an altar boy during Sunday Mass. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1952 and enlisted in the Army with the Corps of Engineers. Upon his discharge as a Sgt. in 1955, he returned home and attended Hudson Valley Community College, graduating in 1957. He began working for the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) where he met his future wife and love of his life, Shirley Farrell. They were married on August 23, 1958, and honeymooned in Lake George. He retired from AT&T in 1988 and filled his retirement years with his many hobbies and interests. He was a proud member of the NRA, the Bethlehem Sportsman Club, the Pioneers, and the ELKS. He volunteered as a retired member of the Pioneers for many years to repair broken toys for the Albany PBA, and repaired Books on Tape recorders for the blind and visually handicapped.

Dad had a strong moral compass and led by example. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed help -- especially his children -- without being asked. One winter he spent many nights in our driveway in the freezing cold trying to repair any one of the three used cars his children owned. All he asked was a hand to hold the flashlight while he worked. He was easygoing and never had a mean word to say. He shared our sorrows and our joys and was there with a strong hug and comforting words when we needed to hear them.

He always had a project underway or in mind for the future.He loved to tinker and he always had an idea how to re-purpose or re-claim an item ready to be thrown away. He enjoyed wood working, boat models, electronics, amateur radio, hunting, and collecting beer steins. He loved to celebrate his German heritage with his family by enjoying some bratwurst and a cold beer. In 2004 he applied for his passport to travel to Germany at the age of 71 with his family. This would be the first of three trips to Germany (Munich) and Austria over the next ten years. Dad’s bright blue eyes and gentle smile were with him to the very end.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Lehner, and his sister Josephine Lehner. Survivors include his children Lori Lehner, Joanne Lehner and Richard Lehner Jr., and grandchildren Candace Cassidy, Noah, Caroline and Jonathan Belinowiz. He also enjoyed the company of Hope Barrett for the last 2 ½ years; spending time dining out, socializing with friends and family and attending church together.

Many thanks to the dedicated and professional staff of Albany Medical Center during his two- month trauma and recovery care and the staff of E8 for the rehabilitation care he received. Home Instead provided wonderful 24 -hour care for the last eleven days of his life. Hospice also provided support and guidance for our Dad and family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 4-7 pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 24, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis Assissi Church, 391 Delaware Avenue, Albany, with a burial service following at Gerald B. H.Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th Fl., NY, NY 10001., www. alzfdh.org, or by phone at 1-866-232-8484