Roger S. Vail

Roger S. Vail passed away on February 21, 2022 in Naples, FL. Born in Bowling Green, OH he is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife Sharon of nearly 60 years.

Roger will be greatly missed by his daughters Shelley (Frank) Valassiades and Missy (Jay) Gomer.

He was a loving and supportive Pops to his grandchildren Gabi Vecchio, Hannah and Tag Gomer.

He is also survived by his sister Myrna Hecker and two nephews.

Always an entrepreneur, he started selling pumpkins at 9 years old and by age 12 he had his own broom making business. He was very goal oriented, passionate, and hard working from a very young age. Roger went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University with a Masters in Business Administration. He was a CPA with Ernst and Ernst before joining the Uhlman Co. where he worked for 29 years as president and owner. During his tenure as president, he was named "Independent Retailer of the Year" by the National Retail Merchants Association, and he served as president of the Independent Retailer Board. Roger has been involved with many professional and community organizations as an active member and leader, including the World Presidents Organization. After moving to Cleveland he became actively involved in Business Advisors of Cleveland, a nonprofit organization providing free business advice for start-ups and small business owners, serving as president. He thoroughly enjoyed providing mentorship and inspiration to others.

His grandchildren summarized their love of Pops so well by saying he has always been the rock of our family and had a way of making everyone around him feel as though he was their biggest supporter. He was kind, gentle and wise beyond his years; to know him was to love him. He had a quiet but calming energy and when he spoke everyone listened, because we trusted he would give us the best advice. He was our anchor, we will hold our memories of him close to our hearts and always remember to live by his motto: Family first, country second and good friends are forever. We will miss you so very much!

Expression of sympathy may be forwarded to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 S. Waterloo Road, Cleveland OH 44110, Seeds of Literacy, 3104 West 25th Street, 3rd Floor, Cleveland OH 44109 or to Business Advisors of Cleveland, 2800 Euclid Ave. #501, Cleveland, OH 44115.

Private interment at Lakewood Park Cemetery. A celebration of life will be hosted on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Westwood Country Club, 22625 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH at 11:30am. (440) 333-9774 www.buschcares.com

 

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