Roger L. Pribe

Roger L Pribe passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025 with family present after a full life. He was born in July 1942 to the late Robert and Genevieve (Pell) Pribe in Toledo, Ohio. He was raised by his paternal grandparents, the late Michael and Mary Veronica Pell, who made a home for him after his mother died when he was very young. He attended Macomber Vocational High School in Toledo where he played football and graduated in 1960. Following graduation, he joined the US Marines for 4 years and spent most of the time stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Following the Marines, he worked the majority of his adult life for Ohio Bell/ Ameritech until he retired from there after nearly 35 years of service.

Roger met the love of his life, Janice Kanipe, in 1961 while home on leave from the Marines when they were both staying in Locust Point on Lake Erie. Roger knew right away that he had found his true love. They married on August 6, 1966. They had three children together: Jennifer (Jacob Coates) Pribe, Tim (Monica) Pribe, and Michelle (David Howansky) Pribe. They have been happily married for over 58 years.

There were three things that Roger loved most in life: the game of soccer, fly fishing, and above all else his family. Roger’s love of soccer started when his two oldest children played. He has been a coach, a referee, and an avid fan. He could always be counted on to have the English Premier league, Championship League, MLS, and any other soccer game on in his house during season. What he loved most of all was watching his son and grandsons play the game that he grew to love. He could be counted on to cheer loudly and correct any bad calls made on the pitch.

Roger also loved being outdoors, on a lake, and fishing. He became interested in fly fishing following his recovery from cancer in the 1990s. He took classes to tie his own flies and researched as much as he could about the pastime he loved. He and Janice took several trips to Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Montana for fly fishing.

Above everything, Roger loved his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He attended all of their athletic events, plays, assemblies, and graduations until his health prevented him from being able to travel as much as he wanted. His children and grandchildren never doubted how much he loved them as he always went out of his way to show them. He was known to march in a pretend band, watch home produced plays, talk endless soccer, and buy large stuff animals to take away any pain. His memory lives on in his wife, three children, and 6 grandchildren: Jacob Pribe, Daniel Pribe, Levi Pribe, Sophia Pribe-Coates, Kaylee Howansky, and Alyssa Howansky.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday April 19, 2025 at Schoedinger Northeast , 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230 where family will greet friends for visitation before the service beginning at 12 pm.