Obituary of Henry J. Digeser

New Scotland – Henry "Hank" J. Digeser, cherished husband of wife Eleanor, went to be with his Lord and Savior after a long, wonderful life on September 29, 2023. Hank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Hank is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor; his four children: Hank (Nancy) Digeser, Paige (Beth) Digeser, Ann (David) Miele, Sue (Billy) Stebbins; his eight grandchildren: Mathieu (Jenna) Digeser, Robert (Carley) Digeser, Drew (Alexa) Digeser, Amy (Brian) Brownell, Katherine (Daniel) Rice, Sarah Miele, Elizabeth Miele, Nicholas Stebbins; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends at Sleepy Hollow Lake. He loved to garden and kept enormous vegetable and flower gardens. He enjoyed winemaking and beekeeping. He loved to ski, swim, fish, tinker, travel, and learn. He also loved to share his knowledge and tell stories of his colorful youth to his grandchildren. He built many things, including his own sunfish sailboat in his basement, which made its maiden voyage (more or less successfully) at Cape Cod. He tackled any activity with boundless energy.

As an RPI alumnus with a degree in chemical engineering, he worked for General Electric in Pittsfield and Schenectady and became facility manager at Selkirk. In the late 1970s, he left GE and became a partner in a mechanical contracting business. He loved his work and he loved to work. He was a man in constant motion and accomplished more before 7 am than most people do all day.

Finally, Hank was devoted to the communities to which he belonged. First and foremost, he was a dedicated layperson in the Catholic Church. For years, he volunteered for Catholic Charities and taught religious education to teenagers. He was also member of the Lion’s Club and the Rotary Club. Hank celebrated the fact that he was the oldest attendee at Rotary Club meetings. Community meant much to him. He was committed to living his faith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar.    Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities. 40 N. Main Ave. Ste. 1 Albany, NY 12203.

To leave the family an online condolence please visit www.applebeefuneralhome.com.