ROUNDUP (AP) -- Former District Judge Roy C. Rodeghiero died Sunday of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 69.

Rodeghiero was elected judge of the 14th Judicial District based in Roundup in 1982 and served three six-year terms before retiring in 2001. He was also one of Montana's five water judges from 1985 until his retirement.

Rodeghiero was born on March 28, 1936 in Billings, the oldest of four boys born to Italian immigrants. He grew up on the family ranch south of Roundup, where he lived for most of his life.

Rodeghiero graduated from the University of Montana with a BA in business administration in 1958 and three years later graduated from UM's School of Law.

He was a lawyer in private practice for 40 years and served as county attorney for both Musselshell and Golden Valley counties for 15 years. He also operated a sawmill in the 1970s.

Rodeghiero was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease 16 months ago, and spent the majority of his time after the diagnosis with family in Whitefish.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janet, two sons and four daughters.

The funeral Mass is Friday morning at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Roundup with interment to follow at the Roundup City Cemetery.

Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com