Roy “Duke” Pompey

Mr. Roy Pompey services will be live streamed on S.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home Facebook and You Tube pages at 11am.

Roy “Duke” Pompey, 78, of Troy, NY, beloved husband of 58 years to Alyce (Canty) Pompey, entered eternal life peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by the loving comfort of his family.

Born in Foreston, South Carolina, Roy was the son of the late Mose Pompey and Phosia Mae (Dukes) Johnson. Although he moved to Troy at a very young age, he continued to spend meaningful time with family in South Carolina and Baltimore, Maryland.

Roy was a proud graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1966, where he excelled as an outstanding basketball player. He and his 1965 team earned recognition as one of the best in the nation and were later inducted into the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame. After high school, Roy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Saint Rose.

At heart, Roy was an educator. His wisdom, insight, and genuine gift for teaching touched countless lives. He worked in various roles within the field of education, ultimately making Hudson Valley Community College his professional home. There, he served as an administrator and Professor of Black History Studies for nearly four decades. He loved his work—and his students—with true dedication.

Roy’s passion for basketball endured throughout his life. Whether playing, watching, coaching, or critiquing the game, he embraced it fully. In his free time, he enjoyed being with his family, watching old westerns, playing pool and cards, listening to music, reading, fishing, and spending time near the water. Roy loved nature—parks, rivers, mountains—and Lake George held a special place in his heart, especially when visiting with his grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his father and his eldest son, James “Jimmy” Pompey. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Alyce; his son, Lamont; his daughter, Kendal (Eric); and his mother, Phosia Mae, of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, relatives, and friends. 

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