Saratoga Springs, NY - Roland C. Elsey, a former resident of Highpointe Senior Apartments in Malta, NY, died Sunday, January 23, 2011 at the Wesley Health Care Center, Lawrence St., surrounded by his family. He was 78. Born on Dec. 14, 1932 in Chicago Illinois, he resided there until joining the US Air Force. Following service to his country, he settled in Saratoga Springs. An outstanding auto mechanic, he was service manager for Topper Pontiac on South Broadway for over two decades prior to his retirement. Upon retiring, he and his wife Peggy moved to Florida for five years where he worked at Disney World in Orlando, a job he loved. Missing their children and grandchildren, they moved back to the Saratoga area in 2002. He enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, gardening, playing poker and having coffee every day with his friends at McDonald's in Malta. A talented wood worker and craftsman, he made many projects that will be passed on for many generations. Remembered by all for his kind and generous nature, his warm heart and his ambition to always make himself available to lend a helping hand to others, he will be missed by all. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Elsey; eight children; Joyce Elsey, Lynn Howard (George), Michelle Payette, Robert Boege, Maureen Brown (Tony), Laurie Kyne ( Mike), Kathie Kuznia (Chris) and George Boege (Kim); 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; one brother, Allen Elsey (Ann) of Illinois and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 7pm Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 at the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-5373. The funeral will be conducted at 9:45am Wednesday at the Burke Funeral Home, followed by burial with military honors at 11am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road. Memorials may be made in his name to a charity of one's choice.