Commander Roger S. Firey

1933 - 2012

Roger S. Firey
Virginia Beach - Commander Roger S. Firey, USN (Ret) died August 24, 2012, in Virginia Beach, Va. CDR Firey served our country for 28 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Molly and three children, Peter and wife Jeanne of Vienna, Va., Lynda Firey-Oldroyd and husband Steve of Seattle, Wash., and Michael and wife Susan of Olney, M.D. and six grandchildren: Melanie, Peter Jr., Laura, Sam, Lawson, Dylan, nieces and nephews. He leaves an empty place in our hearts. His brother Myles of Eden, N.Y. recently died. CDR Firey was the son of the late Eugenia Firey and Raymond Southwell. Roger was born in Melrose Park, Ill.. in 1933.
He was a 1956 graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, N.Y. with a degree in Marine Transportation. In addition to his Naval Service, CDR Firey sailed in the Merchant Marine with several ocean lines. He was a member of the Masters, Mates and Pilots Association, Local 88 in New York and retained his Third Mates license for many years. During his twenty-three years of active service in the Navy, CDR Firey's assignments included three tours as Executive Officer on the USS SOMERSWORTH (EPCER 849), USS RECOVERY (ARS 43) and the USS Harry E. HUBBARD (DD 748) and one as Commanding Officer of the USS WEISS (LPR (ex-APD) 135). In addition he served afloat on the USS Mahan (DLG 11), SEVENTH FLEET STAFF (DET B)/ CTF 77, Carrier Division 5 Staff and shore assignments to FAAWTC San Diego, Chief Of Naval Material Staff, Commander Naval Electronics Systems Command Staff and the Fleet Computer Program Support Activity, Dam Neck, VA. He also attended the Navy Post Graduate program at Monterey, Calif. He received numerous awards during his career including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Naval Commendation Medals, one with Combat "V" and the Naval Unit Citation with 2 Bronze Stars. His campaign ribbons included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, with 4 Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
CDR Firey interests included gardening, amateur radio as an Extra Class Operator with the call sign AB4JW, and sailing. The Fireys shared their love of sailing and owned several day-sailors and off-shored cruising boats. They rebuilt an extensively damaged Swedish sailboat and they sailed it on the Chesapeake Bay for 12 years. Prior to his retirement from the Navy, they purchased a Westsail 32, which they named SUNDOWNER. They lived aboard for 27 years completing three circumnavigations. This achievement was recognized with the prestigious Seven Sea Crusing Assoc. Award given by the Seven Sea Cruising Association. They were Commodores in the international association for many years.
The family would like to express deep graditude to Dr.Paul Conkling and his entire staff at Virginia Oncology Associates for many years of extraordinary care. CDR Firey made arrangements to donate his body to medical science. Any memorial can be made to the American Cancer Society.