Salvatore Roger Francis Roty

Roty, Salvatore Roger Francis

Passed away on January 5, 2024 at the age of 88, surrounded by close family. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Marcia (Huhn); children, Jonathan (Beth Ann) Roty, and Barbara (Roberto) Canziani; grandchildren, Caleb Roty, Alex (Shelby) Vallier, Hannah (Alex) Gale, Luna Canziani, and Francesca Canziani; identical twin brother, Robert (Sally Giancola) Roty; sister-in-law, Francoise (Carriere) Roty; and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, August Sr and Lorraine (Marsteiner) Roty; brother and sister-in-law, August Jr and Barbara (Cawley) Roty; brother, Richard Roty, and sister-in-law, Delia Mae (Lavey) Roty, several aunts and uncles, and 1 nephew.

Roger was born in Niles, MI ("on the banks of the Potawatomi River," as he liked to say) on October 17, 1935. He graduated from St Mary High School (Jackson) in 1953. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart Seminary and a Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. He was a teacher and bus driver for the area Parochial Schools for almost 20 years. He then began a second career as an Assessor and was the Assistant Director of Equalization for Jackson County.

Roger's faith was THE primary component of his life. He put his faith into action by serving the Catholic and Greater Jackson Communities. Over his many years as a member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, his participation and service included: the Parish Council, Director of the Social Center, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Usher, Men's Club, Knights of Columbus Council 609, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Charity motivated Roger to be a champion for those in the community less fortunate than himself. As a Board member for Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties, Roger was instrumental in the formation and operation of the Personal Needs and Linen Closet program. In a cross-section of church and community, Roger held multiple leadership positions with Boy Scout Troop 424 during which he spearheaded a city-wide Christmas tree pick-up event for many years. His other volunteer ventures included: president of the Jackson Young Adult Club, member and past president of the Jackson Rotary Breakfast Club, volunteer soccer coach for the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department, and organizer for the McDonald's Sidekick Soccer program.

In his free time, Roger was an avid sports fan (GO BLUE!) and enjoyed playing card games, puzzles and fishing. He had a special place in his heart for each of our many family dogs. As a landlord, Roger became quite proficient as a handyman that benefitted both his family and tenants. Yard work and clearing snow afforded him a certain satisfaction. It was not unusual to see Roger on his tractor clearing snow from the entire neighborhood after a winter storm.

Roger is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where the family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 10 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM, followed by the Chalice Presentation by the Knights of Columbus and remarks from family and friends.

There will be additional time for visitation on Thursday, January 11 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, with Fr Tim MacDonald officiating. You may go to https://queenschurch.com/livestream/ to stream the Funeral Mass live or at a later date. A luncheon will follow. Cremation will take place after the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roger's name, to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish (https://queenschurch.com/give/online-giving/) where they will be divided among the organizations he supported.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years