Roger M. Fry Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania Obituary

Roger M. Fry

<p>Roger M. Fry, 69, of Elizabethtown, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, November 21, 2022, at his home in Conoy Township.&nbsp;&nbsp;Born Saturday, June 13, 1953, in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Harold L. and Carol S. (Gamber) Fry.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was married to Lynda K. (Sitler-Keene) Fry on February 26, 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>Roger was a graduate of Warwick High School, having grown up in the village of Elm, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;During his time there he was a Varsity athlete playing basketball, baseball and running cross country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside of school he enjoyed playing Legion baseball.&nbsp;&nbsp;He worked summers in the lumber yard of Long and Bomberger in Lititz, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roger attended Millersville University graduating with a degree in Sociology.&nbsp;&nbsp;After college, he enjoyed a time playing semi-pro baseball for Hippey’s Raiders, part of the Lebanon Valley League. </p><p>Roger always had a love for all thing’s sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;After he ended his time on the field, Roger would become Assistant Manager of the Sporting Goods department for Kmart.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taking with him this retail experience, he decided to embark upon a new journey on his own and established Elizabethtown Sporting Goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;After many years working as Owner/Operator of this store, helping the sporting teams and families of the Elizabethtown community, he sold the business and moved onto a career in the Pharmaceutical industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roger spent much of his career in this industry working as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Warner-Lambert, later becoming Pfizer and finally Johnson &amp; Johnson in Lititz, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;After his time here, he went on to finish his working years at GlaxoSmithKline in Marietta, PA., retiring from there in 2016. </p><p>During his retirement he found a new passion for hand making furniture and crafts out of reclaimed woods.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Rustic” is how he proudly described his many RMF productions.&nbsp;&nbsp;From birdhouses, to barn doors, to custom bars and cabinets, he was always willing to try out a new project.&nbsp;&nbsp;No piece of wood was ever considered scrap, and somehow, he would create something beautiful with some glue, some luck, and his recognized favorite screws.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Lancaster needed table guards at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able to create the personal protection equipment they were needing, ensuring safety for the students and staff, while adding some of his signature charm. </p><p>Throughout his life, Roger was a very devout Christian having been involved with many churches.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a very young age, Roger was very involved with church, attending the United Church of Christ in Penryn, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was very proud of having achieved perfect attendance at Sunday School.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roger would later find a new church family at the First Church of God in Elizabethtown, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here he would go on to serve in many leadership roles including service as the Administrative Council President and the leader of the Adult Sunday School.&nbsp;&nbsp;After many years of service and fellowship, Roger was called to the Church of God Landisville, in Landisville, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Landisville, Roger would assume similar leadership and education roles.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is here, that he felt the need for a ministry focusing on retirees.&nbsp;&nbsp;This new ministry was very successful, and he took great pride in its accomplishments.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also at this time felt called to begin to lead Sunday services, providing the message and leading the scripture for the members.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most recently, he had found a home at LifeGate in Elizabethtown, PA.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was during his time here that he answered the spiritual calling and was installed as a Pastor with this congregation, in accordance with the New Testament Fellowship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through his time at LifeGate he was very proud of his Seasoned Saints Ministry for fellow retirees, a new take on his previous ministry. </p><p>When he was not spending time with church, Roger over the years was actively involved in many community organizations in Elizabethtown.&nbsp;&nbsp;He fondly remembered his involvement with the Loyal Order of the Moose, where he helped start the Breakfast with Santa.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among many other groups, he also enjoyed his time as an Advisor for Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay.&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent years, he volunteered time, along with his wife, for the Meals on Wheels. </p><p>Roger was a lover of all music and enjoyed seeing many concerts and performances of his favorite artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;His music knowledge was quite impressive.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also enjoyed singing in church choirs.&nbsp;&nbsp;For many years, he was a member of a southern gospel quartet, The Jerichos. </p><p>Roger was very proud of his family.&nbsp;&nbsp;He adored opportunities to spend time visiting and reminiscing with his brother, children, grandchildren, and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;He enjoyed being outdoors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether it be playing a round of golf or sitting around his outside fireplace in the mornings watching the sun rise.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also appreciated watching live and telecasted sporting events and loved to cheer on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>In addition to his wife of nearly 18 years, he will be lovingly missed by two children: Amanda R. Weaver, married to Jason, and Christopher M. Fry, married to Tori, both of Dillsburg.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also surviving are a brother, Jeffrey C. Fry, married to Cheryl, of Lititz; a stepson, Dennis R. Keene, of Middletown; Grandchildren: Audrey and Andrew Weaver, Harper and Morgan Fry,&nbsp;&nbsp;Darren Keene, married to Becky, Brandon Keene, Nathan Keene; two great grandchildren: Aliana and Owen, as well as Roger’s extended family and caring friends.&nbsp; </p><p>A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at LifeGate Church, 5636 Bossler Road, Elizabethtown, PA&nbsp;&nbsp;17022, with Pastor Don Lamb officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;A viewing will be held at the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA&nbsp;&nbsp;17022, 717-367-1543 on Monday from 5-7 PM and also at the church from 10 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Private interment will take place in Landisburg Cemetery. </p><p>In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s memory to the Building Fund at LifeGate Church and mailed to the address listed above. </p><p>Memories and condolences may be shared at:&nbsp;www.FinkenbinderFamily.com </p>
June 13, 1953 - November 21, 202206/13/195311/21/2022
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Roger

An environmentally friendly option
C
CFS Store
December 2, 2022
Memorial Tree

Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Roger M. Fry. Send flowers

C
CFS Store
November 29, 2022
Peace Lily (10 inch)

Peace Lily (10 inch) was purchased for the family of Roger M. Fry. Send flowers

T
The staff at Finkenbinder Family Funeral Homes-Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory
November 23, 2022
We plant this tree as a living memorial to Roger. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Memorial Tree

Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Roger M. Fry. Send flowers