ROGER STRASSMAN

1930 - 2021

STRASSMAN Roger Lee Strassman Roger Lee Strassman, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, loving father and grandfather, passed away at age 90 on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

Born October 2, 1930 in New York City to Sol and Rosalind, Roger embraced his creative side at a young age, studying painting at the High School of Music and Arts and The Art Students League.

He attended the College of Franklin and Marshall before deciding to pursue his passion for art and architecture at Yale University. At Yale, in addition to his architectural studies, he immersed himself in painting, under the tutelage of Joseph Albers and Willem de Kooning, who became his mentors, guiding his modern, fluid approach.

Roger graduated from Yale in 1954 and enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a communications officer. He subsequently reveled in sharing his adventures in ports of call around the world. Following his service, he moved to Cambridge, MA, where he worked under Walter Gropius at The Architects Collaborative on iconic projects, such as the MetLife (then PanAm) Building in New York City.

Seeking adventure and inspiration, Roger left Cambridge for Europe. After a year of travel, he practiced architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he met his future bride, Kirsten Pape. They married in New York City in 1963 and settled in the Washington DC area. They had two children, Karen and Mark.

In DC, Roger joined WDG Architecture, where he eventually led the firm as Managing Principal until his retirement in 2002. Roger served as principal designer on many of the firm's most iconic projects in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, working closely with Edwin Weihe, WDG's founding partner. Roger was beloved by the firm's staff and clients alike, and was celebrated for his unique, artistic architectural style.

In retirement, Roger further refined his painting talent and created an expansive portfolio of abstract art featured in numerous galleries and private collections. His signature was bold use of color and dynamic, rhythmic play. (Visit www.rogerstrassman.com to view his work.)

For all his artistic and architectural accomplishments, it was Roger's dedication and devotion to family that defined him. Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with loved ones.

He considered himself to be blessed to have two great loves in his life, his wife Kirsten, who died in 2000, and Jill Bixler, whom he met in 2012 and with whom he shared his love of art, travel, and conversation.

He is survived by his partner Jill Bixler of Chevy Chase, MD; his sister Ellen Muller of New York City; his daughter Karen Strassman of Los Angeles, CA; his son Mark, daughter-in-law Jessica, and their children Ben, Mia, and Sophie, of Marin County, CA; as well as members of his extended family in New York and the DC area.

For the safety of family and friends, a memorial service will be postponed until later in the year. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a contribution in Roger's name to the Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery at Glen Echo. (www.friendsoftheyellowbarnstudio.org/donations).

Roger's family extends its love and appreciation to friends and relatives for the kindness, warmth and well wishes during this time.Roger's family extends its love and appreciation to friends and relatives for the kindness, warmth and well wishes during this time.