Roy C. Mentzer

Roy Clayton Mentzer January 28, 1952 – May 26, 2026 Roy C. Mentzer, 74, passed away at the Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones on May 26, 2026. Born on January 28, 1952, in the Bronx, New York, Roy was the youngest child of Charles and Aline Mentzer. As a young boy, the Bronx shaped him early on, giving him his quick wit, scrappy attitude, and creativity that stayed with him throughout his life. Never one to sit still, Roy spent his youth taking on odd jobs such as delivering newspapers in New York City before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at seventeen years old where he served as a Rifleman (MOS 0311) from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam era. His service took him across multiple combat environments and training, including NBC Defense School at Camp Lejeune, Counter Guerilla Warfare training, and Cold Weather Training in Japan. During his tenure, Roy was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, honors that reflected the integrity and discipline he carried with him long after his time in uniform. Honorably discharged from the Marines but hardly ready to slow down, Roy returned to New York City in 1972 — where he was reacquainted with his daredevil spirit. Working as a Valet at the Rockefeller Center parking garage, he wasted little time getting himself into trouble by turning 5th Avenue into his own personal drag strip courtesy of his unsuspecting clients' luxury cars. After receiving his second discharge (this time from the Rockefeller Center), Roy was introduced to a friend who opened the door to a career in the drilling and environmental industry, where his grit and adaptability took him across the globe from Alaska to Egypt. When the dust finally settled, Roy planted his roots in Rockland County, where he met Donna Connor. The two married in 1987 and built a family together, welcoming their two daughters, Courtney and Kathleen. For all his adventures and achievements, Roy's greatest pride was his family and loved ones. He is survived by his daughters Kathleen Mentzer and Courtney Long (Justin), and his beloved grandchildren River and Remi White, whose lives were made richer by his love. He is also fondly survived by his dear friends, Bob Watson and Kathy Puspurs, with whom he shared many years of laughter, sarcasm, and the kind of friendship that feels more like family. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Aline Mentzer, and his sister, Karen Langer. Roy will be forever remembered for his strength, sharp attitude, and kind-hearted, generous spirit that will be carried through the generations in all who knew and loved him. He may have not been as mean or lean, but he was always a proud Marine. In lieu of flowers, please share a donation to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans at https://nchv.org/.

Roy C. Mentzer

January 28, 1952 - May 26, 2026