ALBANY - Richard "Doc" J. Sauers, 96, of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at The Daughters of Sarah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with his family at his side.

Born on April 3, 1930, he was the son of the late Stephen and Edna (Sosinski) Sauers.

Doc attended Penn Township High School in Claridge, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1947. He went on to attend Slippery Rock State Teachers College (now Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania), graduating in 1951. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 40 months. Following his naval service, Doc attended Penn State University earning both his graduate and doctorate degrees.

Doc dedicated his life to education and athletics. During his over 6-decade tenure at the University at Albany, he most notably served as the longtime men's basketball coach for 41 years and compiled an extraordinary career record of 702 wins. His impact on the program and the countless student-athletes he mentored is immeasurable. In addition to basketball, he also coached men's golf and baseball. After retiring from basketball, he coached women's golf for 17 seasons. Aside from coaching, Doc served as chairman of the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee where he led efforts implementing the 3-point shot as well as the shot clock, forever changing the game of basketball.

A lifelong sportsman, Doc was an avid golfer and a life member of Wolferts Roost Country Club, where he was a Senior Club Champion. He was also a many-time handball champion at the Albany YMCA.

Doc loved his family, his players, and his community, and he touched the lives of generations through his dedication, leadership, and steady presence.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine (Sykes) Sauers; his two children, Cheryl Sauers and Stephen Sauers; and his two grandsons, Jordan and Cameron Beeche. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert (late Agnes) Sauers and Ronald Sauers.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Broadview Arena, on the campus of the University at Albany, where Doc devoted so much time and effort to coaching and mentoring student-athletes.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church with The Reverend Rick Lesser, celebrant. For those unable to attend, the funeral mass will be livestreamed and available by clicking the following link in blue: ctkparishny.org. 

Interment with military honors will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at The Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guilderland YMCA by visiting www.cdymca.org/donate (please select Guilderland from the drop-down menu) or the International OCD Foundation at https://iocdf.org/.

For further information or to express a message of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.