Roger E. LaMont

ALBION – Roger E. LaMont, 80, passed away March 21, 2023 at Unity Hospital. He was born June 24, 1942 in Medina, a son of the late Thomas and Mary (Snell) Lamont and had lived in Albion all of his life.

Roger was born to farm. He began honing his agricultural expertise early, driving farm equipment at age 4. Roger graduated from Albion High School in 1960, and continued to Cornell University where he received a B.S. in Agricultural Economics in 1964. He was very active in Cornell’s Alpha Zeta Fraternity Chapter where he developed many strong, personal friendships which were maintained throughout his life. Upon graduation, he returned to the farm, joining his father and brother in the active management of Lamont Fruit Farm. His mechanical knowledge knew no bounds, leading him to be an owner of Massey-Ferguson dealership, Ridge Equipment, for 10 years.

Roger was an active member of the agricultural community, participating in numerous organizations: NY Apple Association, International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA), NY Farm Bureau, NY Leadership (Class I). He was one of the founders of the Crunch Time Apple Growers which facilitated the development of unique apple varieties that would directly support his fellow New York State growers. The SnapDragon and RubyFrost apple varieties are the first successful products of this initiative.

Roger was generous in applying his business skills to initiatives that would bolster his community. He served as Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Hoag Library. In the 1980s, he worked diligently to change the county governance model from supervisors to legislators. This enabled equal representation of voting within Orleans County.

He held great passion for history and genealogy. A faithful congregant of Gaines-Carlton Community Church, he served as the church historian. He was also the much sought after source for LaMont family information. He was always ready to share data and anecdotes with others; whether or not they were interested was optional. He had a great sense of humor, and everyone seems to have more than one “I remember when Roger…” story.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers that gave their time, attention, and love to Roger over the last few years.

Roger’s most important role was as husband, father and grandfather. There was no adventure he was unwilling to tackle and gracefully endure. He loved and was loved by his family.

In addition to his parents, Roger was predeceased by his infant son Kenneth and brother George.

Roger is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ingrid; children Kristina (Scott) Kramer, Suzanne (Brad Jones) LaMont and Kurt (Lindsay) LaMont; grandchildren Alex and Aaron Kramer, Carter and Ryan LaMont; sisters Marjorie Murdock, Marcia Charlton as well as several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave. Albion on Friday, March 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. His Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m. at the Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd. W., Albion NY 14411. Burial will be in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St., Albion NY 14411 or the Orleans Koinonia Community Kitchen, 560 East Ave., Albion NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Roger, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.