Richard Paul Roginski, 76, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away on February 9, 2023. Rich was born on January 22, 1947, in Wyandotte, Michigan to the late Edward Roginski and Florence Muzykowski Roginski.
A patriot, Rich served in the Army for more than 2 ½ years during the height of the Vietnam War, spending almost two years overseas in the Pacific Theater. With an honorable discharge at the rank of E-5 Sergeant, he came home to Wyandotte and began a production career with the Ford Motor Company at the Woodhaven plant and was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union. Rich also worked for more than 20 years at Sears where he became an expert in tools and machine repair – an avocation that is evidenced by his extensive collection of tools and small equipment in his garage in New Bern.
Whatever Rich set his sights on, he pursued with energy and commitment. Beyond his dedication to work and family, Rich had a deep love of music and spent many years playing tenor saxophone and singing with the band “Night Shift” in Brownstown, Michigan. His passion for the Rolling Stones was legendary, expressed with a tattoo of the band’s famous “Hot Lips” logo and with a collection of memorabilia prominently displayed in his home. Horror movies from the 1950’s and 60’s were another hobby for Rich. Creature from the Black Lagoon, Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolfman – he knew all the details, the cast, the lines, the music, and loved nothing more than sharing the finer points of these classics with his friends and family.
Rich is survived by his loving wife, Martha Cacioppo-Roginski; his sister Pam (Roginski) Schmidt, brothers Edward Roginski and his wife Grace, and Michael Roginski and his wife Madeline; daughter Kate (Roginski) Nadaskay and her husband Jason, and their children Xander and Ava; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rich’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
A celebration of Rich’s life will be held at a future date.
Online condolences can be offered at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
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