ROGER K. JORGENSEN

JORGENSEN ROGER K.
90, of Robinson Township, died peacefully at his home on October 3, 2010 after a long illness. He was the husband of Betsy Briant Jorgensen for 62 years. Born September 5, 1920, in Columbus, Ohio, he was the son of the late Ruth Kennedy and Dr. Charles A. Jorgensen, Trainer with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 29 years. Roger graduated from Taylor Alderdice High School in 1939, where he set basketball scoring records. He went on to Ohio State University where he lettered in basketball in 1941. He enlisted in the Navy and served during WWII from 1941 until 1945. After his discharge, Roger and his brother, Noble, were recruited to play for the Pittsburgh Ironmen professional basketball team. They were the first brothers to play on the same basketball team in the first year of what is now the National Basketball Association. He completed his college education at the University of Pittsburgh while playing pro ball. He coached basketball and taught physical education at Waynesburg College before entering sales and sales management. In addition to his career, in 1956, Roger was elected to the Scott Township School Board, where he served a term as its President. He also worked with members of what became the Chartiers Valley Joint School District Board to accomplish that jointure and served a term as President of that organization. He was a founding member of the Universal Healing Church (now Phoenix Fire Spiritual Center) in Irwin, Pa, in addition to serving for many years as treasurer of two investment clubs. In addition to his wife, Betsy, he is survived by his three daughters: Linnea Capps (Stephen) of Mount Airy, MD; Ingrid Williams (Gary), of Tabernacle, NJ; and Erica Jorgensen, also of Tabernacle, NJ. Survivors also include four grandchildren - Katharine Cahill, Jennifer Capps, Kyle (Maureen) Williams and Chad Williams - and a great-grandson - Michael Cahill - in addition to a number of beloved nieces and nephews. Roger's siblings - Charles Byron, Noble Gordon, and Carol Phyllis Miller, all preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on October 23, 2010 at The Twentieth Century Club, 4201 Bigelow Blvd. Pittsburgh PA 15213. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Phoenix Fire Spiritual Center, 405 Sixth St., Irwin, PA 15642, or to the Oakbridge University, 4007 Harbor Ridge N.E., Tacoma, WA 98422. Arrangements by the H.P. BRANDT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 412-364-4444. Condolences may be offered at
www.brandtfuneralhome.com

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