RUSSELL G. LEHR
Saratoga Springs, NY Russell G. Lehr, known as Russ, Gil, Gus, and Mr. Lehr (depending), left us on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Annelore, after whose passing he was never quite the same. Russell, born in Baltimore in 1939 to the late Willard George and Verna Kenly Lehr, joined the U.S. Air Force at 19. He met and married his love, Anne, while stationed in Germany. Anne and Russ lived both in Germany and stateside during his twenty-one year career in service to the nation as a radar operator, finally settling in Saratoga after he retired from the Air Force in 1978. An avid technician drawn to the inner workings of things, he was then a service engineer for Xerox until 2004, and kept copiers running in offices large and small throughout the region. His forty-year third career in the community began when he was “volunteered” through his children’s involvement with 4-H. Most evenings and weekends found him at meetings and activities of one kind or another. Long after the kids moved on to college and beyond, he was deeply committed to his service as a leader. Devoted to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program and a NYS Sportsman Education Master Instructor, Russ was a fixture at the Saratoga County Fair, serving on its Board of Directors, entertaining fairgoers in the blacksmith shop, and helping maintain the Fairgrounds Caboose, the Conservation Building, the 4-H Building (twice), the 4-H Snack Bar, and the 4-H Training Center. Carrying on a family tradition, Russ was dedicated to Freemasonry in principle and in practice while his health allowed. He was raised in Warrensburg Lodge #425 Free and Accepted Masons, later moving closer to home and Saratoga’s Rising Sun Lodge #103. He was a member of The Royal Arch, Cryptic Council, Knights Templar, and Oriental Temple 7 Ancient Accepted Order of the Noble and Mystic Shrine. In 2017, Russ received the Dedicated Service Award from the Rising Sun Lodge #103. He is survived by his daughter Tanja (Joe) DeMauro and their son Seamus of Franklin, NY; son Jason (Lindsey) Lehr of Scotia, NY; his brother Gary (Marion) of Sicklerville, NJ; and sister Wendy (Jeff) of Accident, MD. He also leaves behind scores of friends and acquaintances. Russ was always there when help was needed, and he is now at peace. Many thanks to the caring and kind nursing and medical staff at Saratoga Hospital. Relatives and friends may call from 9:30AM to 11:30AM, Monday, October 22, 2018 at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A Masonic ceremony is to follow at 11:30AM. Inurnment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Saratoga National Cemetery, where he and Anne will be laid to rest together. Donations may be made in his name to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, 50 West High St. #1, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.