Roger William Zaenglein

Roger William Zaenglein, 97, of Penfield, New York, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2025.
Born in Rochester, New York, on November 30, 1927, Roger graduated from Brighton High School in 1945. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester in 1948, and subsequently a Bachelor of Law degree from Cornell University Law School in 1951 and a Master's degree from the Cornell University Graduate School of Business and Public Administration in 1956.
Roger served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army JAG Corp, and was stationed in Korea and Hawaii. In 1958, he married Nancy Gibbs and after several career moves, they settled in Penfield to be near family and raise their four children. A Certified Public Accountant, Roger brought his keen intellect, precision, and integrity to a variety of organizations, including Price Waterhouse, Kendall Oil, General Railway Signal and, for most of his career, the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum (now The Strong National Museum of Play), where he served as Controller.
Roger's dedication to community service was lifelong and over time he was honored with numerous service and leadership awards from a myriad of organizations. Among them were the Distinguished Service Award from the Rotary Club of Pittsford and the Extraordinary Service Award from Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at the U of R. An Eagle Scout himself, he was an active mentor for Boy Scouts of America Troop 230, and received the Outstanding Service Award from them. He was on the board of Huther Doyle for several decades, multiple years as board chair. Together with his wife Nancy, he completed the Rochester Area Multiple Sclerosis Society bike ride for 25 years in a row and delivered Meals on Wheels. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Penfield for more than 55 years, Roger served faithfully in a variety of leadership roles and embraced the fellowship opportunities there.
Roger's interests were wide-ranging. A lover of music, he attended countless concerts and opera performances and, in his 80s, returned to playing the trumpet with the New Horizons Green Band. He enjoyed his Investment Club, stamp collecting, and biking adventures, both in the U.S. and abroad. He spent time researching topics of interest, particularly his family genealogy. He was diligent about health and fitness, and even at age 97, worked with his personal trainer regularly and walked his neighborhood nearly daily. He took great pride in his home and particularly his garden. Carefully cultivated and ever-evolving, it showcased an extraordinary collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and flowering trees, which he shared with friends and neighbors.
As with his service and hobbies, Roger's friendships were numerous and lasting, and he participated in several social groups. But above all, Roger cherished spending time with his family. Treasured memories remain of their many "Team Z" family vacations around the country, as well as the frequent gatherings at their family home. He took great interest in the activities of his six grandchildren and was immensely proud of them. Roger enjoyed plain cheesecake, fun socks, outsmarting the squirrels on his bird feeders and a good laugh.
Roger is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Nancy, his parents Paul and Caroline, and his siblings Cathrine, Paul Jr. and Eric. He is survived by his children Kate Korsh (George), Claire Van Arsdale (Stephen), Roger Jr. (Chris Koontz), and Elisa Vettier (Denis); and his six grandchildren-Freesia, William, Evelyn, Chloe, Tristan, and Sophia.
Roger will be remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, steadfast integrity and loving devotion to his family, friends and community.
A memorial service for Roger will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, at the First Baptist Church of Penfield, 1862 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery (PO Box 18713, Rochester, NY 14618) or the Penfield Symphony Orchestra (1587 Jackson Road, Penfield, NY 14526).