ALBANY – Donald M. Roznowski, 90, of Albany, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Donald was born in Syracuse, and had been a resident of Albany since 1952. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Syracuse University, and a master’s degree in geography from the University of Illinois, and was employed as a geographer by the New York State Dept. of Commerce for 30 years, retiring in 1981. In retirement, he had attended week-long Elderhostel (aka Road Scholar) programs at over two hundred different university and college campuses throughout the United States and Canada.
Donald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Grace J. Mabboni Roznowski; his children Thomas (Trish Bracken) of Bloomington, IN, Ellen of Washington, DC, Fran of Chelsea, MA, and Joseph of Syracuse; his grandchildren Maxwell Roznowski, and Emmett Gillen (Vibha Raval Gillen); and his great grandson Valor Gillen.
A graveside service will be held privately in the Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Albany Public Library Foundation, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Greg and Donna Perski and Family
October 16, 2016 at 6:27 amJoe and Your Family we are very sorry for Your lose.We knew Your Father thru the years and we liked and respected Him very much. He was great human bean . Our thoughts and prayers are with You and Your Family. Greg and Donna Perski and Family
Kathy klinger
October 16, 2016 at 9:08 amOur deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Dick Harte
October 16, 2016 at 10:36 amSorry to read of Don’s passing. Please know that he is in my prayers.
Nancy Lamb Hallock
October 16, 2016 at 11:18 amDear Grace and family,
Grace, you and Don were such an important part of my parents’ lives. You and the other two couples managed to keep in touch – even meeting once a year when we kids were young!
When you’re lucky enough to have your parents for a long time, atlhough they didn’t die at a young age, it’s hard to get used to them not being there. I will never “get over” missing my mom and dad (Janet and Will Lamb), but I am so grateful that we had them for as long as we did.
Thinking of you and the rest of your family at this time, sending love and prayers.
Nancy Lamb Hallock
Augusto Mabboni's family
October 16, 2016 at 3:31 pmDear Grace, Fran and Ellen,
we are all saddened by the passing of many beloved Donald.
I, Chiara, my mum, aunt Ada, Paolo and Roberta share with you last hug to Dan.
We keep wonderful memories of his kindness and curiosity to discover everywhere.
Certainly he left great memories to you too !
Too bad to be so far away…
Un abbraccio a tutti voi Augusto
Mary Femia
October 16, 2016 at 3:43 pmGrace,my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved hushand.
Kristen Lamb Ayer
October 16, 2016 at 6:45 pmI have many good memories of Don and your whole family at our parents’ “Illinois reunions” when we were children . Our parents, the Rothchilds, were such good friends for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Amy Gillen Scharf
October 17, 2016 at 7:40 amSo very sad to hear the news of Don’s passing. Our family sends our sympathies to the entire Roznowski family. Don was such an interesting and bright person — always engaged and interested in world, national and local events and news. He had such an abundant love of learning that we so admired. May you take comfort in all of the wonderful memories you shared with him.
Joanne Martin
October 17, 2016 at 10:03 amSo sorry for your loss. I would run into Don at the library reading newspapers on Saturday afternoons. He was quite a special person.
Joanne Martin
Kiel Byrne
October 17, 2016 at 2:42 pmMy condolences, definitely sad news to hear. Don was a genuinely kind man with a passion for trivia and life long learning…
BIG hug going out to Grace during this time. Of course for Ellen, Joe and
Fran, I’ll hug you when i see you.
Marilyn Riley
October 17, 2016 at 3:56 pmGrace and family, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. Please be assured of my prayers at this difficult time.
Bill Cliff
October 18, 2016 at 7:50 amDear Grace,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of dear Don. How fondly I recall sitting with the both of you and sharing those 3rd Thursday evening meals at St. Andrews church in Albany. Good company and one of the highlights of my month! I want you to know that I shared Don’s obituary with the staff at Pine Hills library — they made a photocopy — as well as with Paul and Bill, two of the regulars there as well as at St. Andrews. I will do the same at St Andrews this Thursday evening.
with warm regards,
Bill Cliff
p.s. as I was thinking of Don the other day I started humming that old Dale/Roy Rogers tune ” Happy Trails to You.” Appropriate for a geographer about to explore a new and exciting realm, yes?
Bob&Ann Schultz
October 18, 2016 at 8:45 amWe were sorry to hear of your loss of Donald.Our condolences to the entire family.We have many fond memories of our visits with Donald,Grace and the family.Donald was a very thoughtful and generous man. May Donald rest in peace with the Lord amen.
Patricia Magana
October 18, 2016 at 10:29 amThough I never met my dear friend’s father, Don and his amazing wife Grace raised a brilliant, resilient, and generous soul in Fran. Blessings to all who loved and cherished him. Shine on, Don!
With condolences,
pati