Roger Gifford

Roger GiffordAugust 29, 1950 – September 24, 2025

Roger Gifford, a devoted husband, father, brother, and servant of Jehovah, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at 12:37 p.m. Eastern Time. He was 75 years old.

Born in Lockport, New York, on August 29, 1950, Roger was the son of Kenneth Gifford and Mary (Stevens) Gifford. From an early age, he showed an enduring love for knowledge and truth, a passion that shaped both his career and his faith.

Roger earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from the University at Albany in 1972. He went on to receive his Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Maryland in 1976. For 32 years, he dedicated his professional life to the University at Albany Library, where he played a critical role in modernizing its systems, building computerized infrastructures to meet the evolving demands of academic research and learning.

Never one to stop learning, Roger earned a Master’s in Library Science from the University at Albany after his retirement in 2009, continuing to pursue excellence in the field he loved so deeply.

Roger married the love of his life, Donna, on September 25, 1993, in Cape Cod. Their marriage was one of deep faith, shared values, and abiding love. Together, they built a life centered on service, study, and spiritual devotion. Roger was a steadfast Jehovah’s Witness, living each day as a disciple of Jesus Christ. He upheld biblical principles in every aspect of his life and inspired those around him through both word and deed.

Roger found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—especially reading scripture, singing hymns, and devouring books with an insatiable appetite. His intellectual curiosity and spiritual discipline made him a wise and thoughtful presence in every room.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Donna Gifford; his brother, Kevin Gifford; his son David; and his son Brian, Brian's wife Maggie, and their children Ian, Tyler and Kori. Roger’s legacy of faith, service, and intellectual passion will live on in the lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held privately, in accordance with his wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses or to a literacy-focused charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.