Roger Harry Lori Sr.

Roger Harry Lori, Sr., a resident of Bakersfield, California, passed away in Hollywood, Florida, on September 3rd, 2025, at the age of 73.

Roger was born to Harry and Barbara Lori in Ukiah, California, on May 17th, 1952. He grew up and attended school in Redwood Valley, of which he always had an affection for.

Roger began working early in life and first started working in the funeral industry at the age of 13, helping with various duties at Anker-Lucier Mortuary in Willits. After graduating high school he went to work for Jones and Lewis Mortuary in Lower Lake, with one of his duties consisting of driving the ambulance. It was at this time that he met his wife Gina Rose Montgomery. They were married on August 21st, 1973, at the Assembly of God Church in Ukiah.

Roger and Gina moved to Southern California where he worked as a pathologist's assistant, and upon turning 21 he began working as a prison guard at Chino Prison. It was at this time that Roger and Gina welcomed their first child, Roger H. Lori, Jr., into the world. Shortly after the birth of their son, Roger and Gina purchased their first mortuary, Lori & Montgomery Funeral Home, in Riverside, California, where Roger began operating the mortuary during the day, while also working the night shift at the prison to support his young family. Roger and Gina went on to expand their family with the birth of their daughter, Tamara R. Lori, and the birth of their son, Charles J. Lori. As Roger's career also began to expand, Roger and Gina went on to own Chapel of the Desert in Indio, Bade's Mortuary in Tujunga, Bade's Newhall Mortuary, Rose Mortuary in Desert Hot Springs, Chapel of the Palms in Coachella, Bakersfield Family Funeral Home, Westside Family Mortuary in Taft, and Lori Family Mortuary in Santa Maria.

However, later in life Roger preferred to focus on trade embalming for numerous mortuaries throughout the San Joaquin Valley, Lancaster, as well as the Central Coast, while also performing as an expert witness in the judicial system, with all 3 of his children going on to also join the funeral industry.

He had a love for animals, especially his boxer dogs and most recently his cat Pouncer.

Roger was greeted in Heaven by his parents; his grandson, Tyler; along with other cherished family members.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gina; children, Roger Lori, Jr. and wife Ana, Tamara Vradenburg and husband Jordan, and Charles Lori and wife Amber; grandchildren, Tatum, Jayden, Jenna, Bella and Samantha, Angel and Vicente; sisters, Judy Keys, Pam Leon (Bob), Vickie Lori (Kathleen), and Gloria Lori, as well as nieces, nephews, and other loved family members.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Russian River Cemetery District (940 Low Gap Road, Ukiah) on Monday, September 15th, 2025, at 2:00 P.M.