I’m embarrassed to say this has taken me 10 years to sit down and write this, but better late than never. My friendship with Roger literally went back to kindergarten with early memories such as playing hide and seek, sandlot baseball and riding our Schwinn stingrays everywhere. As teenagers we experienced many firsts together: first cigarette, smoking pot or trying other illegal substances and first taste of beer. In high school we were in a band together and even won the talent show. As Andy Warhol would say, we had our 15 minutes of fame. We were rock stars! From the 60s through the 80s there was an endless string of concerts at many different venues including SPAC, Tanglwood, the Palace theater, the Madison theater and JB Scott’s. Speaking of music, Roger was huge Beatles fan with an incredible memorabilia collection. I surprised him one year on his birthday with a personalized license plate from DMV: “ BEATLE 5 “ . Throughout college and many years after we would meet for a drink at Polito’s or the Village Drummer or a burger at Sutter’s. In the early 80s he introduced me to Bonnie, one of his coworkers. As they say, the rest is history, we recently celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary! After moving to North Carolina, we would call each other on birthdays to catch up. When he did not return my last call to him, I called his mom and got the terrible news. I think of my best bro often, especially around his birthday and when I hear a Beatles song.
Craig - as they say, better late than never. Your comment touched a chord in me as my pal Paul Gardner who I also met in Kindergarten justed passed. (that is also posted here on this website) Yours is a great commentary of an enduring friendship with Roger. With your permission, I would like to use this in the latest and last Guilderland book; "A Baby Boomers History of Guilderland Part III." It is organized a bit differently than the previous two and the latter part focuses on where were are now. Please let me know as closing for this is June 22 and it will be published in July. - John Green
I just read your comment, Craig, and what you wrote says as much about you as it does about Roger. I am happy to hear you had such an enduring friendship. It is so very sad to lose someone who shares so much of your history and memories. Having gone to Fort Hunter Elementary with both of you, I remember Roger mostly from that era and the house he lived in next to Nedco's and being picked up by the school bus. He was a fun and likeable guy. Congratulations on your 34th, too!
John, your “In Memory of” Paul was actually my inspiration for writing about Roger. We both had lifelong friendships as I’m sure many people have had. Being that we are at a certain age, it’s difficult not to think about our mortality and a lot of memories. Speaking of memories, it looks like you’ve been very productive in your retirement working on all the books about our town. You’re certainly welcome to use my comments about Roger in the next edition.
Roger was a sweet guy. When I first learned of his passing through this website years ago I had searched to find more information about what happened. It made me uncomfortable that there was so little written in his "obituary" on the school site. I never could find an online obituary, perhaps Craig can share. Roger was a friend through school and I too thought of him as cool, cute and very smart. I always loved his great demure smile. It is heartwarming to read such great memories from his friends.
I'd like to add my thanks to Craig for waking us up. I thought about posting something when the news first came out but assumed no one was listening. That shouldn't have mattered. Kevin's original comment was right on. Roger more than earned some kind words to mark his passing. I didn't know Roger that well in High School but having stayed in the area to go to college I ran into him frequently at Polito's. I spent many a night with him discussing politics, life. and the world in general over a pitcher of beer. We didn't always agree but we always respected each other;s opinions (something you don'e see much of anymore). I believe we both benefitted greatly from the other's perspective. So here's to Rog, a good man. Rest in peace.
I'm delighted to see we are all thinking of one another. I'm not sure if it's Roger or our reaching our golden years, but it nice to see. Best wishes to you all for many happy & healthy years ahead, however long they may be. As Ray Davies said "Appreciate what you've got before they take it away." To all of our departed classmates; may we all think of them fondly. We are, and were a pretty good bunch of people.
Craig Mann
I’m embarrassed to say this has taken me 10 years to sit down and write this, but better late than never. My friendship with Roger literally went back to kindergarten with early memories such as playing hide and seek, sandlot baseball and riding our Schwinn stingrays everywhere. As teenagers we experienced many firsts together: first cigarette, smoking pot or trying other illegal substances and first taste of beer. In high school we were in a band together and even won the talent show. As Andy Warhol would say, we had our 15 minutes of fame. We were rock stars! From the 60s through the 80s there was an endless string of concerts at many different venues including SPAC, Tanglwood, the Palace theater, the Madison theater and JB Scott’s. Speaking of music, Roger was huge Beatles fan with an incredible memorabilia collection. I surprised him one year on his birthday with a personalized license plate from DMV: “ BEATLE 5 “ . Throughout college and many years after we would meet for a drink at Polito’s or the Village Drummer or a burger at Sutter’s. In the early 80s he introduced me to Bonnie, one of his coworkers. As they say, the rest is history, we recently celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary! After moving to North Carolina, we would call each other on birthdays to catch up. When he did not return my last call to him, I called his mom and got the terrible news. I think of my best bro often, especially around his birthday and when I hear a Beatles song.
John Green
Craig - as they say, better late than never. Your comment touched a chord in me as my pal Paul Gardner who I also met in Kindergarten justed passed. (that is also posted here on this website) Yours is a great commentary of an enduring friendship with Roger. With your permission, I would like to use this in the latest and last Guilderland book; "A Baby Boomers History of Guilderland Part III." It is organized a bit differently than the previous two and the latter part focuses on where were are now. Please let me know as closing for this is June 22 and it will be published in July. - John Green
Aino Parlo
I just read your comment, Craig, and what you wrote says as much about you as it does about Roger. I am happy to hear you had such an enduring friendship. It is so very sad to lose someone who shares so much of your history and memories. Having gone to Fort Hunter Elementary with both of you, I remember Roger mostly from that era and the house he lived in next to Nedco's and being picked up by the school bus. He was a fun and likeable guy. Congratulations on your 34th, too!
John Green
Aino - Great observation well written about Craig's comments. It does seen like more and more of us are passing with each passing year.
Charles Hughes
I remember Roger as a cool, quirky and very kind guy. So sorry to hear about his passing. There are way too many of us on the 'In Memory' listing....
Craig Mann
John, your “In Memory of” Paul was actually my inspiration for writing about Roger. We both had lifelong friendships as I’m sure many people have had. Being that we are at a certain age, it’s difficult not to think about our mortality and a lot of memories. Speaking of memories, it looks like you’ve been very productive in your retirement working on all the books about our town. You’re certainly welcome to use my comments about Roger in the next edition.
Craig Mann
Aino, thanks for all your kind words!
Sharon Mastrianni (Kumiszcza)
Roger was a sweet guy. When I first learned of his passing through this website years ago I had searched to find more information about what happened. It made me uncomfortable that there was so little written in his "obituary" on the school site. I never could find an online obituary, perhaps Craig can share. Roger was a friend through school and I too thought of him as cool, cute and very smart. I always loved his great demure smile. It is heartwarming to read such great memories from his friends.
Bruce Weber
I'd like to add my thanks to Craig for waking us up. I thought about posting something when the news first came out but assumed no one was listening. That shouldn't have mattered. Kevin's original comment was right on. Roger more than earned some kind words to mark his passing. I didn't know Roger that well in High School but having stayed in the area to go to college I ran into him frequently at Polito's. I spent many a night with him discussing politics, life. and the world in general over a pitcher of beer. We didn't always agree but we always respected each other;s opinions (something you don'e see much of anymore). I believe we both benefitted greatly from the other's perspective. So here's to Rog, a good man. Rest in peace.
Rod Schinnerer
I'm delighted to see we are all thinking of one another. I'm not sure if it's Roger or our reaching our golden years, but it nice to see. Best wishes to you all for many happy & healthy years ahead, however long they may be. As Ray Davies said "Appreciate what you've got before they take it away." To all of our departed classmates; may we all think of them fondly. We are, and were a pretty good bunch of people.