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Thomas Roggeman Obituary
SOUTH BEND - Thomas John "Rock" Roggeman II, 47, of Greenville, N.C., ended his relentless battle with cancer on Monday, June 14th, with members of his loving family by his side. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Visitation will be in Bubb Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 24th, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Pius X Catholic Church on Friday, June 25th, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a prayer service at Fairview Cemetery. The family invites everyone back to Saint Pius X Catholic Church after the service for a luncheon gathering. Rock was born on February 28, 1963, to Thomas John and Florence Justine Roggeman in South Bend. He was a graduate of Sahuaro High School in Tucson, AZ, where he played football and was named to the Parade All-America Team as a senior in 1980. A devout Roman Catholic his entire life, Rock saw one of his dreams come to fruition when he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1985. While at Notre Dame, he played linebacker and nose guard for the Fighting Irish and was a monogram winner. He was known as a true Notre Dame man who had a sincere love for the Lady on the Golden Dome. When he completed his undergraduate work, he committed himself to making an impact on the lives of young men by becoming a football coach. It was his mission to use coaching to teach his players not only the fundamentals of football, but more importantly the fundamentals of how to become better men. Rock left a long-lasting impression at every stop throughout a 24-year coaching career which he began as a graduate assistant for Notre Dame in 1985 and 1986. Then he moved on to Murray State, Eastern Michigan, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Louisville, Alabama A&M, Alabama State and concluded his career at East Carolina University. At ECU, Rock coached the defensive line during one of the most successful stretches in Pirate football history. During his five seasons at East Carolina, the team went to four bowl games and won back-to-back Conference USA Championships. During his final battle with cancer, Rock drew strength from the support of the ECU football family. All of the players, coaches, alumni and fans who constitute Pirate Nation offered endless prayers and buoyed Rock's spirits as he fought relentlessly with all his heart and soul against the disease. Throughout his life, Rock demonstrated how appropriate his nickname was by proving daily to be a loyal brother, son and friend. Rock was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Justine. He is survived by his father, Thomas John of Granger. He was a devoted brother to his four siblings, Karen Justine of Fairfield, Conn., Julie Ann (Michael) King of Orefield, Pa., Pamela Mary (Andrew) Morrill of Chandler, Ariz., and Timothy "Buck" (Ginny) of Monterey, Calif. He was a fun-loving uncle to 10 nieces and nephews: Brandon, Matthew and Brittany King, Zack Kamp and Claire Roggeman, Andrew, Annie, Stephanie, Amanda and Katherine Morrill. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society or SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-4431. The home is a residential facility for cancer patients and their family members.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Roggeman
Jerry Radtke
August 21, 2018
Greatest coach ever !!
Rene' Baker
July 13, 2010
To the Family of Coach Roggeman:
Coach Rock will be missed by my son and I as he was a inspiration to us both. He opened doors for my son that will he will carry with him a lifetime and for that I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to know Coach Rock. Thank you God and his family for sharing your special Coach Rock with us for the time that you did. God Bless you all.
July 13, 2010
Thanks Coach Rock for the time you spent with our son at ECU. You made a strong impression on him as a football coach but you made a lasting impression on him the way you fought the battle you did to the end! My wife and I had the pleasure of talking to you on occasion and we both thought alot of you! We were so sad to here of your passing! May God bless the Roggeman family! Paul and Becky Farr, Pell City Al.
Gay Dougherty
July 5, 2010
Coach Rock, you were an inspiration to all who knew you. Thank you for sharing in my son's life not only as his coach but as his friend. You made him a better athlete and a better man.
To Coach Rock's family: God allows special people in our lives for a reason, thank you for sharing Coach Rock with us. We pray for you all and ask God to give you peace.
Buck Roggeman
June 30, 2010
On behalf of the Roggeman family, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has signed this guest book. From old friends to friends we are meeting for the first time, you prayers and messages of support have been an incredible source of strength and comfort to our family. For this, we are eternally grateful.
terry hunt
June 29, 2010
This really touched home with me. For the short time I knew Rock, he was very instrumental in my son's recruitment to ECU. He sat at my table and ate dinner 2 times. Boy did he love to eat! I will never forget the time he called on the second visit, to inform me he and Coach Holtz were on the way. The next question was "What's for dinner!" I didn't even get a chance to say Goodbye! My son is still saddened by the fact that he had the disease. I will miss him, and I would like to take the time and say "Goodbye Coach Rock!" And my prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Terry Hunt and Family
Sharonda Buck
June 28, 2010
It was a sad day in Greenville, NC and at East Carolina University when we heard of Coach Rock's passing. He was and still is an inspiration to many on and off the field. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Coach Rock's family and friends. Thank you, Coach, for being a part of our family, and we will never forget you.
Dolores Goudy
June 26, 2010
Dear Roggeman Family,
I’m so saddened to hear of your loss. It is evident by all the entries the Rock’s morals, values and work ethic were Godly, and something to be admired. Rock’s deep faith in God and dedication to hard work seemed to touch and teach all that knew him. What a wonderful legacy to give to ones fellow man. You are all in my prayers.
Isaiah 51:11
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Revelations 7:16-17
Respectfully,
Dolores (Dodie) Goudy
Nancy Chiboucas
June 25, 2010
I am truly saddened by this news. Though I did not know him, his sister, Karen, is an acquaintance of mine and spoke very fondly of her brother. My thoughts and deep sympathy go out towards the entire family during this time of loss. God Bless you all and may the memories sustain you going forward.
Fondly,
Nancy Harrison Chiboucas; Ridgefield, CT - June 25, 2010
Joan Niesen (Kedra)
June 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I never knew "Rock", but I knew "Buck" and graduated with him. It is always difficult when someone close to you dies, but the impact they have made in others lives is something that will remain forever. Rest in Peace Thomas.
Lynette Boggs
June 24, 2010
I was deeply saddened to hear the news today of Rock's passing. I was a Notre Dame cheerleader when he was on the football team back in the day. I remember vividly that even as a student, Tom was a man of deep faith. So I'm comforted with the knowledge that he is with his Savior. Tom is now cloaked in glory's mantle, as we used to sing at the end of every football game. My sincerest condolences to the Roggeman family at this time of loss and sorrow.
Chris Bridges
June 24, 2010
My family's prayers and hearts to you and your family, Buck.
Chris Bridges
310.228.7430
[email protected]
Olga Ritchie
June 23, 2010
My sincere condolences to the family. Please be assured you are in our prayers.
Larry and Olga Ritchie Tucson, AZ
Wishing you peace, Natalie (Jeffreys) Fortier
June 23, 2010
Dear Buck and extended family,
Although I never met your brother, I can tell he was an inspirational man taken from your family much too soon. You were always a leader to Salpointe's class of 1985 and it is simple to see the strength of your character runs deep in your family's roots. I am sorry for your loss.
Lynette Box
June 23, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lynette M. Box (Tucson, AZ)
Salpointe Catholic High School
June 23, 2010
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Roggeman Family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Heidi Nead
June 23, 2010
I never had the pleasure of meeting Thomas personally, but like several here, met him via his activities on CM. He was always a gentlemen, and steadfast in defending his faith and his opinions....no excuses! He was forthright about his opinions but always spoken with charity.
My prayers go to the family as they deal with his death, and to Thomas for the salvation of his soul. Eternal rest and peace grant you, Thomas, and may God's light shine on you forever!
Anita Lang
June 22, 2010
My sympathies to the Roggeman family. I met Coach back in 2007 at CM Chicago. When I walked into the hospitality room, he was the first one to greet me. Your love for sports and your faith has been an inspiration to me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
To My Friend Rock
Dan Sacchini
June 22, 2010
Dear Roggeman Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. It's hard to believe a man so full of passion, life, and positive karma is no longer with us. I was fortunate and blessed to have a very special relationship with Rock at the Univ. of ND. You see, Rock's father and my father coached HS football together in South Bend, IN and became great friends. Then, many years later, Rock and I became great friends at the Univ. of ND, where we both resided in Pangborn Hall. Rock and I shared and embraced this strong common bond. Although two years the younger, I always respected and admired the qualities I saw in Rock both as a person and as a fellow varsity athlete at ND. He was very proud to call South Bend his home, even though he left at a young age. He was so proud of his family; and I was proud and honored to call him a great friend! I saw Rock three years ago when his team came to Houston and defeated the Univ. of Houston. I took my wife and two children to the game and never stopped talking about how proud I was of Rock and his accomplishments. I know his legacy will transcend in all his family, friends, and player's lives. Rock, you will be missed! May god bless you and your family!
Daniel J. Sacchini ND88
Jonathan Fields
June 22, 2010
RIP Coach Rock, it was an honor to have you coach here at ECU and thank you for all the success you helped bring us. You will truely be missed and all my prayers go out to your family and loved ones. We will all see you again one day!
Joe Kettler
June 22, 2010
"Play Like A Champion" True meaning is " Live Like A Champion"
Thoughts and prayers go out your your family, Huge void in your hearts as of many others you don't know about. One thing that comforted me when my father passed. He is preparing the feast to welcome you when you get there. God bless.
Mark Corcoran
June 22, 2010
Rock,
I balance the sadness from your leaving us too soon with the blessing it has been to have met you. By your life lived, you gave us so much to carry with us. Thank you, Rock. My deepest prayers to your family and friends.
Kevin Moran
June 22, 2010
Met Tom at a Chicago CM event. He was truly a Christian gentleman.
June 21, 2010
Rock, Thank you for being such a big part of our son and his families lives in Greenville as part of the Pirate Nation. You brought candy,friendship and love to our son, Greg,his wife Kelly, and our grndchildren. You will be missed. God Speed. Our sympathy to your family. Donna & Bill Hudson.
Mary Balcom
June 21, 2010
To the Roggerman Family - I also got to know Tom aka Coach on CM - I also had the pleasure of meeting him at a CM event. We were at Mass on Sunday and I looked over at him and he was in prayer and I said to myself - here is truly a Godly man. In a time when gender is being taken away, Tom showed us how in his actions and in his words what it meant to be a man but more importantly a man of God. He not only showed us daily what it meant to be a Godly man but he showed us even in death what these words meant when it is put to the test. No words can ever take away the pain in your hearts or missing him but May the Church that he loved so ardently and the sacraments that he embraced give you the strength and comfort that you need during this difficult time and know that he is right there next to you. My prayers and thoughts are with you Mary Lou Yonkers, NY CM #25961.
Tony Pierce
June 21, 2010
Rock, thanks for the inspiration. I enjoyed all of the talks about faith and family. Looking forward to coaching with you again one day brother.
Mark Sadowski
June 21, 2010
I've known "Rock" for 12+ years dating back to his days as a coach at ALABAMA A&M in 1998. Words can't express the passion, drive, & enthusiasm that he had for life. He was committed to success not only as a coach but also as a human being. Strong character guy with solid morals & he had an unforgettable personality. Dedicated, trustworthy, & has always been a loyal friend. Rock, you will be missed…REST IN PEACE. My deepest sympathy to the Roggeman family for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mark Sadowski
College Scout - Chicago Bears
K W
June 21, 2010
Thank you for being such an inspiration to the players at ECU and to everyone that was touched by you. God Bless you and our sympathy to your family.
Coach & I Chicago 2008
Christina Bruns
June 21, 2010
Dear Roggeman Family,
I got to know Tom when I went to the Catholic Match events in Chicago. We had so much fun on those long weekends. Coach was always full of life, love, and most of all faith. He will be missed by so many people all around the world. He is a true angel.
Gods love and blessings to each and every one of you.
Christina 50555
Catholic Match Member
(Pinkie-5)
June 20, 2010
I WAS Rocky'S HIGH SCHOOL COACH AT SAHUARO HIGH SCHOOL AND KNEW HIS FAMILY ESPECIALLY HIS PARENTS VERY WELL. i CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I THOUGHT OF THIS YOUNG MAN HIS LATE MOTHER AND DAD ... VERY SIMPLY ROCKY WAS A DIFFERENCE MAKER ,AND QUITE SIMPLY ONE OF THE MOST PASSIONATE HUMAN BEINGS; I HAVE HAVE EVER BEEN AROUND .COACH ROGGEMAN ..HE IS WITH HIS MOTHER COACH: AND GOD WILL HOLD HIM AND YOUR WIFE IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND FOREVER. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES YOU AND YOUR WIFE RAISED A GREAT SON!
RESPECTFULLY ,AND WITH MY DEEPEST SORROW ... COACH BOB VIELLEDENT SAHUARO H.S.TUCSON,ARIZONA
Gray Coltrain
June 20, 2010
From all of Pirate Nation, we will miss you dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kyle Barber
June 20, 2010
Rock you were a great man and coach you will be missed by everyone at ECU.
Ken Gray
June 20, 2010
Coach, you were and continue to be an inspiration to all that knew you. You gave it all you had until the final whistle blew. God bless you and keep you. May your family fill their void with pleasant memories of a life well lived. You will long live in pirate lore.
Terri Shomenta Bailey
June 20, 2010
Rock, you had such a positive impact on everyone you met. You were such a wonderful example of life full of faith, family, love and leadership. To say you will be missed is such an understatement. I know you are in a better place with your Mom; but my thoughts and prayers go our to your Dad, Pam, Julie, Karen, Buck and all the loved ones you leave behind. God Bless you .
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