Roger Edwin Herlean

HERLEAN, Roger Edwin, beloved husband, dad and granddad, passed away on July 17, 2021. He is survived by his adored wife, Ruth; daughter, Pamela (Patrick) Clancy; grandsons, Ryan Clancy and Sean Clancy; and sister, Eleanor Dvorak. He was reared in Illinois and graduated from Knox College, where he was honored by memberships in Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Sigma Rho. He received an M.A. from the University of Illinois. He served over three years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of lieutenant and serving as Executive Officer and Diving Officer on his last ship.

After his Naval service, he joined Reynolds Metals Company and served in increasing responsible human resources capacities in McCook, Illinois; Troutdale, Oregon; Listerhill, Alabama; and Richmond, Virginia.

After 38 years, he retired and became a volunteer counselor in the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program associated with Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging. He was an active, certified counselor for over 20 years. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Senior Connections for 10 years.

Roger attended the Huguenot Road Baptist Church for many years. He enjoyed power boating, including slalom water skiing with his family. Even at retirement age, Roger was still doing amazing water skiing tricks, much to the delight of onlookers. He enjoyed sharing life stories, often humorous ones, with his grandchildren. He and his wife, Ruth, were active social bridge players and ballroom dancers. They enjoyed traveling and shared many trips together. He was a true blessing to his family and friends and his many-year presence in their lives will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Bliley's Funeral Home, 6900 Hull Street Road, Richmond, Va., on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org, 1-800-528-1980) in memory of Roger Herlean (please mention his name when contacting them).