Roger Thomas Heinrich

Roger Thomas Heinrich passed away at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, on October 16, 2025, at the age of 84.
Roger was born on July 18, 1941 in Newark, New Jersey to Charles and Genevieve Heinrich. He was raised first in Newark and then in Warren, where he was a proud member of the second graduating class of the (then) recently opened Watchung Hills Regional High School. He went on to attend and graduate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, working full-time while completing his course work at night, all while raising his first son, Kevin.
He went on to have a successful career working for Bristol-Myers (eventually Bristol-Myers Squibb) for 27 years. Roger was a leader within the company's accounting and finance department, and his colleagues there became lifelong friends.
On Columbus Day in 1981, Roger attended a meeting of "parents without partners" and fell in love as soon as he saw Beverly Lukas. Roger and Beverly were married shortly thereafter that first meeting and lived together in Scotch Plains for nearly 42 years before moving to Lantern Hill in New Providence earlier this year. Roger always said that Beverly was the best thing to ever happen to him, and they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage together.
Following his retirement in 1994, Roger purchased a pop-up camper and took his family for six weeks traveling across the country through numerous National Parks while visiting relatives along the way. Afterwards, Roger spent his time playing many rounds of golf and tennis, traveling on cruises both domestic and international, and playing in two different standing poker games with his friends. He and Beverly enjoyed spending time at their vacation home which they built in 2003 in Ocean Ridge Plantation in coastal Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. He was also a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church in Westfield. Roger's true joy lay in spending time with his family. He treasured time with his sons, as well as becoming a grandfather to Evan and Jonah. He was also a lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, in addition to loving the music of Frank Sinatra and attending shows on Broadway.
Roger is predeceased by his parents, Charles Heinrich and Genevieve Craig Heinrich; his brother, Robert "Bobby" Heinrich; and his daughter-in-law, Jody Heinrich. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; his sons, Kevin Heinrich, Richard Lukas, and Michael Heinrich (and his wife, Claire); his grandsons, Evan and Jonah; his brother, Craig Heinrich (and his wife, Elizabeth); his sister, Winifred Walker (and her husband, Winford); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
A memorial service at First Congregational Church in Westfield, 125 Elmer St., Westfield NJ 07090, will be held on November 15th at 1pm.