Roger Fega Obituary

AMHERST- Roger Fega died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018.

He was born June 6, 1947, in New Rochelle, New York to Mort Fega and Muriel (Praete) Fega.

Roger is survived by his wife Cynthia Holmes, children Alison, Stephen and Madison, brothers Ken, Doug and Russ and his mother Muriel Fega. Roger drowned in Costa Rica where he was on vacation with his best friends Richard Wayne and Pamela Benepe.

Roger had an ever-curious mind and a deep love for music and family. He was known by many as the Jazz Farmer and hosted radio shows on several Valley stations.

Roger had a deep understanding and appreciation for the wonders of nature, and cherished the opportunity to share his knowledge. His family and friends will miss his empathy and caring intuition as we move throughout life without him by our side.

All are welcome to share their memories, grief, and companionship at his memorial service, which will be held at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, (845 West St, Amherst ) Feb. 4, at noon.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Orchard Arboretum at Applewood, c/o Amherst Conservation Department 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst MA, 01002.

Roger had devoted the past few years to revitalizing the arboretum. This project awakened in him a renewed physical and spiritual energy, which he shared with those around him.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jan. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Fega

12 Entries

David Browne

March 30, 2025

I knew Roger only briefly in 1970 in Phoenix,AZ. He made a strong impression on me. I wish I had been able to know him longer.

Frank Ward

March 1, 2018

My sad condolences to Cynthia, Alison, Maddy and Stevie.
Roger and I enjoyed many hours together listening to jazz and talking about life. We would meet in his living room in Amherst, his house in Ashfield or in the WMUA studio at UMass. RIP my friend. I think of you daily as I continue to listen to the ECM recordings you generously shared with me.

Neville Hughes

February 21, 2018

Roger was one of the first persons I came to know in our freshman year at Williams College. As a black American from Washington D.C., in my years at Williams I sorely missed the great soul radio that D.C. provided to me as a teenager. Roger knew or appreciated all the music that I loved and, in fact, passed on the R&B jams among the 45's with which his father kept him supplied in our college days. This kept me in touch with my musical taste in an area of the country which had scarce to nothing to keep me musically in touch with soul music. I go so far as to say that Roger helped make me the teenager that I continue to be at age 70, and I thank him for that!

And Roger was just an all around nice and mellow guy to know, period.

Neville Hughes

Richard Peinert

February 12, 2018

Roger was a Williams classmate and we could all see free spiritism at its finest even back then. Roger was the man to have on your team for the Musical Trivia contests the radio station would run. He n'knew virtually EVERTYTHING there was to know about pop music. This included the "flip side" of every hit record. Those under 50 will have no idea what I am talking about.

Saw him again at 25th reunion and nothing had changed!

RIP

Robert Kandel

February 12, 2018

Dear Fega Family - I was a classmate of Roger's at Williams. I recall him fondly. May your own memories of him bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Bob Kandel

February 4, 2018

We send hugs and warm thoughts to Cynthia, and to Roger's entire family. We appreciated Roger as one of the guiding lights of Brookfield Farm and for his free spirit! So sorry we can't be with you at the memorial gathering today. Kelly Erwin and Warren Graham

Tony Cadogan

February 3, 2018

Tony and Don from BCPD sends our sympathy, love and prayers.

Fred Johnson

January 31, 2018

Roger, I was shocked and saddened to hear of your sudden departure. Many jazz DJ's have come and gone in the Happy Valley over the past 40 years, but you were one of the best, and I'm grateful for the time you spent here. I'm gonna miss you, your generous and considerate nature, your music expertise, and that wonderful stentorian voice. Like your dad Mort, you were a music nut with a heart of gold. My condolences to the family. *******In the words of jazz poet Lord Buckley, "The flowers, the gorgeous, mystic multi-coloured flowers are not the flowers of life, but people, yes people are the true flowers of life, and it has been a most precious pleasure to have temporarily strolled in your garden".

January 31, 2018

We are thinking of you all and sending you our love and prayers.
We will miss our spontaneous talks with him at Whole Foods, the Library or the nature trail.
Suzanne and Paul Rilla

Barbara Kurman

January 30, 2018

Michael and I send our deepest condolences to all the Fega family, with thoughts and prayers for everyone.

January 30, 2018

Thinking of you all. Great picture. I see all the "kids" in him, that's for sure!
Love,
ML

Henry Lappen

January 30, 2018

Roger, you will be missed - for your sweet smile, your enthusiasm for trees and nature, and your friendship. Thanks for all your help on the Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee.

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