Roger Napier passed away peacefully on his 96th birthday on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, surrounded by his four children. He was born on November 16, 1926, to Louis and Mary Napierala in Berkey, Ohio.
Predeceased by his wife of 33 years Mary Alice (nee Cummings), he is survived by his children, Kelly Bober (David Klaich) of Parma Heights, Ohio, Terri Napier (Ted Freeman) of Castle Rock, Colo., Heidi (Kirk) Dietrich of Mooresville, N.C., and Steven Napier (Sara Pitts) of Wilmington Island, Ga.; and grandchildren, Daniel Schartman (Hannah Forte) and John Paul and Luke Dietrich.
Roger and Mary Alice raised their four children in Toledo, enjoying a close family relationship with their parents, siblings and families. Roger’s resourcefulness was celebrated among his family and his community.
Roger served his country in World War II in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Suwanee. During his service, he was awarded a medal for spotting an uncharted island. Following active duty, Roger spent his professional career with Toledo Scale and Teledyne CAE, contributing his engineering skills and retiring from both. In his later years, Roger moved from Toledo to Davidson, N.C., to be close to daughter Heidi and her family.
Roger is survived by his siblings, Marjorie Hertzfeld, Betty Lemle, Charlotte Nash, and Frank Napierala.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Napierala, and brothers Robert and Norbert (Pete) Napierala.
Roger leaves a legacy of hard work, frugality, and resourcefulness, as well as the joy and laughter of a dry sense of humor.
Interment will be held immediately in Toledo, followed by a celebration of life service on May 20, 2023, in The Secor Room at Secor Metropark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or Purple Heart Homes at www.purplehearthomesusa.org or a charity of the donor’s choice. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Ansberg-West Funeral Directors.
Nicholson Funeral Home had the honor of serving the family with local arrangements.