Celebration of Life is scheduled for January 20, 2024 at McHenry's Funeral Home 2:00 pm. Roger's wife Cindy, would like for classmates to share any stories they remember about Roger at the celebration of life.
Roger, Dennis Grey and myself used to hang out a lot. Roger was always a prangster, and a dare-devil!
Roger had a brace on his right leg, and we zoomed out of his driveway, fish-tailed, and landed between two huge oak trees across from his house. So close to one of the oaks I had to exit out the drivers door.
Roger reminded me of Val Kilmer in the movie, "Real Genius." Fun, smart, prankster.
Like Tim, Roger always was a prankster and had this joyful spirit about him! He will be missed, but prayers for Cindy and the family, with the hope that we indeed will meet again one day👍❤️
I remember Roger, as a hell of a bass guitar player when he was with the Patriots with Rob Ford and Brent Durbin. I learned a lot from him and the gang. Are bands played with each other for long time. Roger was always one of the good guys...R.I.P my brother!
I met Roger at a school bus stop in 9th grade and was smitten by his mop of blond hair, great smile and sweet personality. We stayed "girlfriend/boyfriend" for all of 9th grade. Oh, the joys of those times when life had nary a care and we thought that was what "life" was all about. We met up briefly in our late twenties after divorce found us both single, with a new realization of what life could bring. I mention this only to come to the good part...
We reconnected again at the 50th class reunion, having not only the joy to meet Roger at this time in his life, but also to have a chance to meet his sweet wife Cindy. We, (my husband too) hit it off immediately and herein a wonderful friendship deveopled over the next four years. At the same time Darrell Selvig also reconnected with Roger and they began playing music together again. During the pandemic we became a "pod" and spent a lot of time together, watching movies, playing games and taking trips to the mountains and the coast. We were privileged to watch Roger and Darrell hone their music skills and treat us to many a day or night to their new found treasure of doing what they both injoyed most...playing music. Their hearts beat as one as they perfected their skill. A heartwarming experience to listen and watch as their friendship grew richer and deeper. I can still hear the music filling our living room.
And all the while I got a chance to discover the depth of a man that I once knew as a boy at a bus stop. Roger's humanity was deep. He would share that his journey to this point didn't come without pain or failure. He was authentic. Not that he would say it of himself. He had a sense of empathy and care for others. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick witted. We had many times of laughter, commenting how especially during the pandemic those times were so healing to our souls. These last four years have been some of the riches years of my life, spending time with Cindy and Roger.. I will be forever grateful that we reconnected again. Friends can be our deepest love story.
I will end with a story that Roger wrote and shared with us that helps describe the heart of our dear friend. He and Cindy were living in Washington DC at the time. And for those of you that may not know or remember, Roger's mom, with the help of his dad, decorated their circle driveway each Christmas for many years with a host of Christmas lights and fanciful holiday structures, inviting all to come and enjoy the delights of the season.
Gina, thanks for sharing Roger's beautiful story. I remember you and Roger in Jr. High. People used to think we might be brothers because our names were similar. Ha! Can't think of two people more different than he and I. Roger will be missed.
For Roger. I am profoundly grateful to have such a wonderful friend as he. My friendship with Roger goes back to junior high days, back when the earth was cooling. We played music together in the Patriots, and chased around town on our skateboards. We were reckless and took chances like all normal kids did back then, but with the loves and longings we got through those wonderful years. After he going his way and I mine we reconnected in our young adult lives and played country music together for some years, a bit less reckless, and Roger began schooling, graduated and became a counselor, who better than one who maybe..... well anyway, Roger's kind and compassionate soul suited him to the task. We went on with our lives , each our own way , and at our 50 year reunion we connected again. Roger and I began to get together weekly to play music in a little trailer next to his house which Roger turned into our "recording" studio. Roger's wife Cindy, who some might say is his better half, though I know for a fact they're both equally wonderful, was totally supportive. We played our music until I could no longer play due to severe alcoholism which took my abilities from me. Roger took me by the hand to get me into rehab treatment. My friend saved my life. I believe that God gave Roger the opportunity to save a brother's life and Roger did just that. So.... again, after a time Roger and I played music and shared our souls one to the other until Roger became unable to continue. Roger and I are friends for life and beyond. His song will always be with me.
Roger,Roger! Very sad news. I am selfishly sitting at my dining room table having breakfast, looking out the window at the ocean. As I read Gina and Darrell's message about Roger, I have tears of sadness and joy both running down my cheeks. You both have said all! Kind,caring, talented and funny. I to saw him at the 50th class reunion but shaking hands and a bro-hug you knew you would see him later that evening or at the 55th reunion. To Roger, giving the shirt off his back was not always enough. He is missed! See you soon brother.
So wonderful to hear all the great stories and moments with Roger.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember Roger for his beautiful smile and a kindness he had that was special.
Timothy Kilian
Roger, Dennis Grey and myself used to hang out a lot. Roger was always a prangster, and a dare-devil!
Roger had a brace on his right leg, and we zoomed out of his driveway, fish-tailed, and landed between two huge oak trees across from his house. So close to one of the oaks I had to exit out the drivers door.
Roger reminded me of Val Kilmer in the movie, "Real Genius." Fun, smart, prankster.
Such great fun!!! We will meet again, my friend!
Michael L. Nored
Like Tim, Roger always was a prankster and had this joyful spirit about him! He will be missed, but prayers for Cindy and the family, with the hope that we indeed will meet again one day👍❤️
Guy Seghetti
Roger had such an easy going spirit that was envied by all. He was "happy go lucky" personified! Rest in peace my friend
Lonni Roth (Roth)
I remember Roger, as a hell of a bass guitar player when he was with the Patriots with Rob Ford and Brent Durbin. I learned a lot from him and the gang. Are bands played with each other for long time. Roger was always one of the good guys...R.I.P my brother!
Gina Cirilli (Carter)
I met Roger at a school bus stop in 9th grade and was smitten by his mop of blond hair, great smile and sweet personality. We stayed "girlfriend/boyfriend" for all of 9th grade. Oh, the joys of those times when life had nary a care and we thought that was what "life" was all about. We met up briefly in our late twenties after divorce found us both single, with a new realization of what life could bring. I mention this only to come to the good part...
We reconnected again at the 50th class reunion, having not only the joy to meet Roger at this time in his life, but also to have a chance to meet his sweet wife Cindy. We, (my husband too) hit it off immediately and herein a wonderful friendship deveopled over the next four years. At the same time Darrell Selvig also reconnected with Roger and they began playing music together again. During the pandemic we became a "pod" and spent a lot of time together, watching movies, playing games and taking trips to the mountains and the coast. We were privileged to watch Roger and Darrell hone their music skills and treat us to many a day or night to their new found treasure of doing what they both injoyed most...playing music. Their hearts beat as one as they perfected their skill. A heartwarming experience to listen and watch as their friendship grew richer and deeper. I can still hear the music filling our living room.
And all the while I got a chance to discover the depth of a man that I once knew as a boy at a bus stop. Roger's humanity was deep. He would share that his journey to this point didn't come without pain or failure. He was authentic. Not that he would say it of himself. He had a sense of empathy and care for others. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick witted. We had many times of laughter, commenting how especially during the pandemic those times were so healing to our souls. These last four years have been some of the riches years of my life, spending time with Cindy and Roger.. I will be forever grateful that we reconnected again. Friends can be our deepest love story.
I will end with a story that Roger wrote and shared with us that helps describe the heart of our dear friend. He and Cindy were living in Washington DC at the time. And for those of you that may not know or remember, Roger's mom, with the help of his dad, decorated their circle driveway each Christmas for many years with a host of Christmas lights and fanciful holiday structures, inviting all to come and enjoy the delights of the season.
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Gina Cirilli (Carter)
I hope the attachment of Roger's story came through okay.
Gina
Raymond Asbury
Gina, thanks for sharing Roger's beautiful story. I remember you and Roger in Jr. High. People used to think we might be brothers because our names were similar. Ha! Can't think of two people more different than he and I. Roger will be missed.
Darrell Selvig
For Roger. I am profoundly grateful to have such a wonderful friend as he. My friendship with Roger goes back to junior high days, back when the earth was cooling. We played music together in the Patriots, and chased around town on our skateboards. We were reckless and took chances like all normal kids did back then, but with the loves and longings we got through those wonderful years. After he going his way and I mine we reconnected in our young adult lives and played country music together for some years, a bit less reckless, and Roger began schooling, graduated and became a counselor, who better than one who maybe..... well anyway, Roger's kind and compassionate soul suited him to the task. We went on with our lives , each our own way , and at our 50 year reunion we connected again. Roger and I began to get together weekly to play music in a little trailer next to his house which Roger turned into our "recording" studio. Roger's wife Cindy, who some might say is his better half, though I know for a fact they're both equally wonderful, was totally supportive. We played our music until I could no longer play due to severe alcoholism which took my abilities from me. Roger took me by the hand to get me into rehab treatment. My friend saved my life. I believe that God gave Roger the opportunity to save a brother's life and Roger did just that. So.... again, after a time Roger and I played music and shared our souls one to the other until Roger became unable to continue. Roger and I are friends for life and beyond. His song will always be with me.
Dick Kennedy
Roger,Roger! Very sad news. I am selfishly sitting at my dining room table having breakfast, looking out the window at the ocean. As I read Gina and Darrell's message about Roger, I have tears of sadness and joy both running down my cheeks. You both have said all! Kind,caring, talented and funny. I to saw him at the 50th class reunion but shaking hands and a bro-hug you knew you would see him later that evening or at the 55th reunion. To Roger, giving the shirt off his back was not always enough. He is missed! See you soon brother.Victoria Valenti (Joines)
So wonderful to hear all the great stories and moments with Roger.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember Roger for his beautiful smile and a kindness he had that was special.