Roger T. Clark, 71, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Roger was the youngest son of the late Thomas and Mary Lou (Glaser) Clark. Raised in Wyoming, Ohio, alongside his brothers Tom (Kathy), Pat, and David (Kay), the Clark boys seemed to know everyone in town, due in large part to the family grocery store, Glaser-Clark, on Vine Street in Carthage.

If you had the pleasure of visiting the store, you probably witnessed a lot of hard work and love—and, if you were lucky, you got to enjoy Roger’s world-famous deviled eggs from the deli counter. Fortunately for us, those deviled eggs made an appearance at every family picnic. Try as we might, they never taste quite as good as when Dad made them.

Roger attended St. James of the Valley School and graduated from Roger Bacon High School with the Class of 1972. Roger often drove his children through Wyoming, sharing stories of growing up there and pointing out where all of his childhood friends lived. There wasn’t a sport the Clark boys didn’t play, and we especially loved hearing his stories of victories on the tennis court.

At just 15 years old, Roger met Beth Cecardo, the cute Roger Bacon cheerleader whose father happened to deliver potato chips to the family grocery store. She became his high school sweetheart, and together they built a beautiful marriage that lasted 49 years and a family that became the center of his world. They raised four children: Erin, Sarah, Chrissy, and Tim.

He was simply the most loving dad. He had a quick wit, a hilarious sense of humor, and a gift for making friends wherever he went. Some of our favorite memories are watching him hit golf balls, shooting hoops in the backyard, attending his softball games, Xavier basketball games, card games, or family outings, Dad took us everywhere.

An avid golfer, Roger faithfully met his brother and lifelong friends every Sunday morning for a 7:00 a.m. tee time. He loved walking the course, and on the rare occasions Mom allowed it, he was thrilled to spend the entire day playing 36 holes.

Dad was the hardest-working person we knew. His career in the grocery business began at age five. According to family legend, by fourth grade he was driving the school bus, and by eighth grade he was managing the cafeteria. Whether those stories were entirely true or not, they perfectly captured his incredible work ethic.

At 19, Roger began his career as an apprentice in the HVAC industry and eventually retired as a company president. Even after long days at work, he never hesitated to help family, friends, or neighbors with their heating and air conditioning needs. Many weekends and evenings were spent riding alongside Dad, holding a flashlight, handing him tools, and learning far more than we realized at the time. Those moments have become some of our most treasured memories.

Roger also devoted countless hours to coaching grade school basketball at St. Vivian School, where all four of his children attended. He coached two of his daughters’ teams and rarely missed a single game, concert, or school event. Because of his unwavering support and infectious personality, he became a favorite not only among his own children but also among all of their friends.

Family meant everything to Roger. Our extended family has always been incredibly close, and he loved his nieces and nephews as though they were his own children. The annual family spring break trips to Daytona Beach remain some of our most cherished memories.

Then came the grandchildren, and all four of us happily became second fiddle.

Papa Roger was adored by Olivia, Clark, Colin, Ava, Caroline, Kendall, Charlotte, and Cameron. He loved attending every game, tossing a ball around in the backyard, and especially showing off his dance moves whenever Grandma Beth turned on the Jock Jams CD. Roger absolutely loved music. He made up the silliest songs, especially early in the morning, and there was always a piece of candy or a sip of his pop waiting to be shared. All the grandkids had to do was smile and say, “Papa Roger is the best-looking guy I know!”

Roger’s retirement on the golf course was heartbreakingly cut short by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a devastating neurological disease. In true Roger fashion, he never once complained. Not once.

Our mom, Beth, was the epitome of selfless love and strength. She cared for Dad at home with incredible devotion through every stage of his illness and remained faithfully by his side until his final moments. We truly don’t know how she did it, but she did, and we are forever grateful for the extraordinary love she showed him.

This obituary barely scratches the surface of the fun memories, the laughter, the life lessons, and the countless ways our dad made the world a better place.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Beth; his children, Erin (Nick) Williams, Sarah (Michael Smith) Clark, Chrissy (Dan) Schulte, and Tim Clark; his eight cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Clark, Colin, Ava, Caroline, Kendall, Charlotte, and Cameron; his brothers, Tom (Kathy), Pat, and David (Kay) Clark; sister-in-law Charlene (Tom) Clark and many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Lou (Glaser) Clark; his parents-in-law, Charles and Margaret (Resinger) Cecardo; and his beloved granddaughter, Grace Christine.

Funeral service information will be posted here when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s memory to CurePSP or Queen City Hospice.