IN MEMORY HONOR ROLL

Roger A. Wilson, 81, of Neptune NJ peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on 8 December 2019. Roger was born in Follansbee West Virginia. He joined the Army in 1957 and continued to serve for 20 years and he is a decorated Viet Nam Veteran. After retirement from the Army, he continued his education and completed his Associates Degree in Computer Science from Brookdale Community College. His next career path placed him as a Logistics Engineer for CECOM, Fort Monmouth, before retiring in 1995. Roger loved to create and invent. He was an accomplished short story writer and has many published poems. Roger embraced all new experiences. After retirement, he took advantage of free time and enjoyed many cruises, family vacations, visits to Germany and Europe, and fully enjoyed life with his family. Roger always cherished his 50+ years of friendship with Alex Viola. And he treasured the Friday night comradery over card games with Art and Linda Arnold for many years. Roger was the strongest yet gentlest man you would ever meet. He was a caring ear if you needed someone to listen, a kind heart and a warm hug when you needed comforting. (But don’t piss him off). He loved everyone equally and then a lot more after a few rusty nails. “I love you, Man!!” was a common phase after a few cocktails with his favorite drinking buddies, Carl and Bruce. He is predeceased by his parents, Margaret and William Wilson, and his daughter Petra Bowers and son Roger Wilson Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Bodine, and his Brother Larry Wilson and his wife JoAnne of Pennsylvania. Roger has four surviving children Jenn Ryba and her husband Bruce of Wall, Carl Bodine and his wife Elaine of Neptune, Jimmy Wilson of Florida and Jerry Wilson of Louisiana. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren Shawn Bowers, Miki Van Dusen, Zack Wilson, Britany Wilson, Addie Ryba, Ethan Bodine, Christian Bodine, Alayna Bodine, Rachel Planas, Tara Wilson-Walsh, and Venita Wolfe and 7 great grandchildren. Friends and Family are invited to view from 3-6pm on Tuesday 10 December 2019 at Ely Funeral Home on Route 33 in Neptune.