Roger was born on December 24th, 1952 to Rosemary and Herbert Zalneraitis in Worcester, Massachusetts. After graduating Tahanto Regional High School in Boylston, Massachusetts, Roger attended Holy Cross College in Worcester and became a US Air Force fighter pilot, flight instructor and financial planner. He received a master's degree from Embry Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was married to Christy Zalneraitis (née Lundin) for 36 years.
Roger had a competitive spirit and learned quickly how to rise above adversity. He found ways to accomplish his goals when others told him it couldn’t be done. From the basketball court in high school, to attending and graduating one of the best colleges in New England, to being “Z-Bear”, the fighter pilot who always turned into the fight, to courting and marrying the chaplain’s daughter, he always found a way to succeed where others couldn’t or wouldn’t have dared.
Underlying this competitive spirit was a compassionate man who loved others more than himself. Much to the embarrassment of his children, he never met a group of strangers he didn’t want to talk to. Everyone in town knew him on sight, from Starbucks to the feed store where he bought 40 pound sacks of corn for his ducks living in the pond out back. He was devoted to teaching and excelled at instructing pilots from as far away as Iran and China, students in local schools, and new skiers as an instructor in Massachusetts. He was always a proud part of his community, acting in community theater, being a member of Rotary, and playing guitar for years in the praise band at his church. And in his later years, the joy that his grandchildren brought him was only matched by the unbounded love he returned to them.
Finally, Roger was ever the optimist. To his friends and family, Roger provided unending comfort, encouragement, and support. He assured them that no matter what was going on, “everything will be just fine". He was firm in his beliefs and those around him knew that when he stood by your side, he would always be there. The unconditional love he had for Christy permeated every aspect of their lives; neither she nor anyone else who saw it ever doubted it. Roger’s encouragement, kind words and steady vision helped his children grow and chart their own paths, and with his wife Christy, showed them a loving, happy, and supportive marriage.
Roger’s ability to fill a room with energy and laughter will never be forgotten. There is not enough time to be spent with people like him, but we will forever treasure the time we were given and memories we have.
Roger is survived by his wife Christy, four sons; Roger (Sandra), Zachary (Kelly), Benjamin, and Alexander (Laura), as well as six grandchildren and his mother Rosemary.
Please join his family and friends in celebrating Roger’s life on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13600 Caspian Lane, Clermont, Florida.
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