Roger Cargill

Roger D. Cargill, 87, of Endicott, went home to be with his Lord and Savior following a brief illness on Saturday December 2, 2017 surrounded by those who loved him. Born on January 10, 1930 to Robert Ira and Mary Elma (Ellis) Cargill of Vestal Center. He was a lifelong resident of Broome County. Roger was predeceased by his parents , his first wife Geraldine (Woody), granddaughters Rebecca and Melissa, his step-daughter Evelyn Tamela, step-son Paul Paolangeli; sister in law Mary Purtell (Eugene), brother in law Robert Woody (Irene). He is survived by his second wife Patricia P. (Connelly) Cargill; children Robert N. (Teena) of Johnson City, Richard (Linda) of Endwell, Roger (Michelle) of Endwell, Mary Felice (Joseph) of Vestal, Daniel (Barbara) of Apalachin, Margaret Krause (Karl) of Windsor, Thomas of Endicott and Sarah Gruszka (Sean) of Grand Island; step-children Kathy Francis (John) of Lodi, Joseph Paolangeli (Tamara) of CT, Beth Conrow (Marty) of SC; brothers Gene (Barbara) of Austin TX and Jerrold (Carole) of Endicott. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Roger graduated from Vestal High School, attended Broome Community College and served as a Staff Sergeant in United States Air Force during the early days of the Cold War and Korean Conflict. He was the Cryptologist in charge of the Air Force Security Service team that broke Romanian military transportation code, allowing the US to track Soviet-bloc troop movements. He was honorably discharged after his service term. He then began his long career with IBM in Endicott. Roger started as a draftsman and worked his way into several management positions before retiring in 1989. Roger was involved in the community with the Optimist Club (Friend of the Youth) , holding several senior positions at the local and state level and earning several recognition awards for his efforts and dedication to the organization. He was also a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Western Broome. He was also active member in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), also holding several senior leadership positions at the local level. He also was a member of several other clubs and societies. Roger was very passionate with researching the Cargill genealogy that was traced back to Scotland in the mid-1100’s. He also thoroughly enjoyed his DIY projects. Roger was also very active in his parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Roger was a kind, gentle, caring, loving and giving man who was endeared by his children, family and friends.
A Funeral Mass to celebrate Roger’s life will be offered Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 11 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church 701 Main Street, Endicott, NY. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org and Meals on Wheels of Western Broome at http://mealsonwheelsofwesternbroome.com/