James W Roeser

James W. Roeser of Dongan Hills passed May 31, 2016, at home after a brief illness. Beloved husband for 56 years to Beverly (nee Bormann ); loving father of Holly Spano, Dale Merritt, and father-in-law of Stephen Spano; cherished grandfather of Charles Spano and Amanda Merritt, and dear brother of June Hickenbotham and Edward Roeser. Jim was born in Kirkwood, Missouri, and graduated Kirkwood High School. He served with the Coast Guard from 1953 thru 1957 arriving in Staten Island in 1955. After graduating American Academy McAlister Institute of Funeral Service, he began his career in funeral service, first at Riverside Memorial Chapels in Manhattan, then at Meislohn Funeral Home in Port Richmond. In 1968 he became a Funeral Director at the Virginia Funeral Chapel in Dongan Hills where he remained for 48 years until his retirement earlier this year . Jim was known for his loyalty and dedication to his employer and his profession. Also a member of the Ocean Yacht Club in Stapleton, Jim enjoyed visiting St. Louis and racetracks and casinos in the tri-state area. Visitation will be held at Virginia Funeral Chapel, 1707 Hylan Blvd. on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home on Friday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Oceanview Cemetery . Virginia Funeral Chapel 1707 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10305 (718) 987-2828