Roger W. Atkins

Roger Atkins, 65 of Kennett Square, Chester County, PA passed away on January 16, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. His last hours were filled with joy and peace. He is survived by his children, Irene, William and Amber and their extended families. Roger loved his family and had an amazing bond with his siblings, Bonnie, Daniel, Faith, Barbara and Stephen and their extended families. Roger also had extended family with the Miceli’s, including Guy, Karen, Dana and their families.

Roger’s professional career spanned five decades as he devoted himself to civil service, working in various social work capacities. Most recently he managed the processing, placement and coordination of benefits to those with developmental challenges and conditions. His sense of purpose to do what was right for those in need of guidance was unwavering. Roger graduated SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

His faith was his rock throughout his life. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian of Wilmington, DE serving as a Deacon. God blessed Roger with a one-of-a-kind musical talent and with a voice that was truly special. He loved to sing and make music particularly as a tribute to his faith and in the church setting. Anyone who was fortunate to hear his talents and passions were truly changed forever by the experience. He also devoted his musical talents and time to many other choirs and ensembles.

Ultimately, there was no one with a greater capacity to love and be in the present moment than Roger. Those surviving him will miss the effervescent bright light that defined him and wrapped you in his life force. He was always “genuinely himself” and always with a huge capacity to care and heal.

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Funeral Services

Due to the current pandemic conditions, immediate interment will be private. There are future plans for a life celebration post pandemic. Thank you for your understanding.

Given Roger’s special talents and love for music, in lieu of flowers or condolences, donations can be made to the “Music Program” at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 1502 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE 19806 Phone: (302) 654-5214.

Condolences

Rev. Jon Walton writes,

Roger was a beautiful spirit, strengthened by his faith and generous with his gifts offered in music. He was a gentle spirit. So many of his friends and family admired and loved him. I remember many wedding and memorial services where Roger would sing and in doing so communicate his faith and confidence in God. His interest in helping others was a shining quality in his life. Roger's name wll be read and his life lifted in prayer this Saturday at the Washington National Cathedral memorial service for those who have died this past week. "Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they rest from their labors and their works do follow them. " JMW

01/19/2021 11:05 am

Monica Didonato

01/19/2021 01:09 pm

Lorena Clarke lit a candle and writes,

Sending my love to your entire family as they navigate through difficult times. You will be missed so much Roger. Recently I had looked at my messages on FB and saw our chat from years ago. You were so supportive of me and gave me such great advice. Thinking of you and remembering your beautiful smile. I’m lucky to have a best friend like Irene because of meeting her, I got to meet you.

01/19/2021 01:25 pm

Antonio Johnson lit a candle and writes,

Roger, Thank you for not just raising a wonder daughter but giving her unconditional love and support. I know you will be watching over Renie and Ry protecting them every second of the day. We will miss your laugh, smiles and amazing presences everyday. Words can never express how much you will be missed. I know we all will be unite again! Until that day RIP💙

01/19/2021 03:12 pm

Rachel Strader lit a candle and writes,

May you rest easy knowing your family are in the best hands as you watch over them from above. We will continue to be a part of their village and support them in all times of need. We will protect them. Until we all meet again rest easy. With love and support The Strader’s

01/19/2021 09:56 pm

Frank writes,

Roger you Smile, Gentle Heart and Kindness lit up every room you entered. Your Memory we hold in our Hearts will continue doing so for you. I am so Happy you met, fell in love, married and bought a home with Guy the Love of your Life. Each of us should only be so lucky before it is our time to return home. Love you ♥️

01/19/2021 10:09 pm

Jim Frick writes,

Dear Roger, Your smile, compassion, warmth, and dedication, will be missed by all those who knew and worked with you. So hard to believe, and it seems not very fair, that someone with such vitality and zest for life, would be taken so soon. We will remember you as a giving, dedicated, and refreshingly vibrant person, who made so many hearts light and just as many lives better. May God bless you and keep you and all your family and friends.

01/20/2021 11:26 am

Marile Marshall writes,

Roger was my co worker in the Delaware County office for many years. I hadn't seen him much in recent years due to my retirement. However, his enthusiasm for life and generosity of spirit stuck with me. I last saw him at a retirement party and he eagerly spoke to me about retirement plans. I have sobbed at knowing that he never go to fulfil his dreams. We all have to take comfort that he lived each moment fully in his life. sincerely with healing thoughts, Marile Marshall I am sending a small donation to the Church in his honor

01/20/2021 02:31 pm

Karissa Desiderio writes,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Roger. I worked with him at both Chester County and Delaware County's IDD systems. He was such a sweet, caring and passionate man. He really cared about his job and devoted so much time and energy into efficiently getting things done. It was such a pleasure to have known him and my prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

01/20/2021 02:39 pm

Sharon Moses lit a candle and writes,

Roger had an outstanding relationship with everybody he interacted with. He used his spirited personality to develop outstanding relationships with others. This allowed Roger to follow his calling of advocating for the obtainment of services and supports for others. He would go the extra mile and work beyond his scheduled hours to ensure he did not leave something incomplete. He was a support to everybody with whom he interacted. Roger had the biggest heart and was always encouraging and supportive. I enjoyed hearing the stories about his family and upcoming retirement. I will miss listening to his melodic voice whether it was leading the team in Happy Birthday or singing while working. Now he is sharing his melodic voice in heaven and singing amongst the angels. Roger you are truly missed.

01/20/2021 06:35 pm

Kimberly Minshall writes,

I will miss Roger. Roger was a wonderful person. Roger had a great personality and a bright, fun spirit. He lit up the room. I enjoyed working with Roger and sitting next to him. He made me smile and laugh every day. I enjoyed his singing and his beautiful voice was a gift that he would share and make my day better. Roger was a devoted, caring, compassionate supports coordinator who helped so many. Roger loved his family and spoke of them often with love and pride. Roger made the world a better place. He was fun and kind. He had the best laugh. I will miss Roger and I pray he is singing and at peace. Roger and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Roger. I will miss you. 🌟

01/20/2021 08:11 pm

Ottavia Burke writes,

My condolences to Roger’s family. Roger. I will miss your kind words and your jovial laughter. You were kind and warm to all who met you . RIP

01/20/2021 09:21 pm

Michele Coulston writes,

God's Blessings. Great guy full of joy and laughter. Made my days at the County enjoyable

01/20/2021 09:32 pm

Laura White writes,

Roger- we had fond memories working at the County of Chester MH/IDD SCO together. Heaven's choir has gained another angel to sing and rejoice with. May you rest in peace. To the Atkins' family- I am sorry for your loss. He was a great friend, father, grandfather and partner to you all. May you find comfort during this time.

01/21/2021 09:34 am

Christina Baum lit a candle

01/21/2021 03:34 pm

Danielle Saunders lit a candle and writes,

Sending love and prayers for Roger's family during this difficult time. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless Roger and his family and bring ease to the hearts of those he left behind. Hugs from my family to yours. <3

01/21/2021 04:29 pm

Jan Beeson writes,

My heart aches for the family of Roger Adkins. He had such a positive outlook on life, and what a marvelous voice he had. I have such fond memories of Roger and learning of his passing has touched my heart with sadness. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss him dearly!

01/21/2021 05:26 pm

Clara Marzano lit a candle and writes,

Roger sending prayers for your family during this difficult time! It was a pleasure working with you and being friends with you! You will truly be missed by many! I am just so saddened that you never got to enjoy retirement because I know you were looking so forward to it! May you Rest In Peace my friend! Heaven received a beautiful Angel!

01/21/2021 05:30 pm

Jamie Hickey writes,

Roger’s picture above, is the way I will remember him. Always w a smile & a listening ear. We knew Roger for many years before our daughter was born. Soon to learn that she had several special needs, he reached out to me to see how Jon & I were handling all of the changes in our lives. His compassion & empathy showing through the whole time. Through his hard work & dedication at his job, he soon climbed the ranks within the Office of Intellectual Disabilities & reached out again to help guide us w Britt’s transition from high school to “the real world”. We will always remember his beautiful singing voice & how he sung w his whole heart. His devotion to God was evident in his everyday life. He will be missed by many. Our family’s hearts & prayers go out to his family that have been left behind. We must believe that he is singing among the Angel’s Choir above.

01/22/2021 12:54 am

Mary Wise lit a candle and writes,

To the family.... I am so Blessed to have worked with Roger at Chester County. His smile was everyone’s pick up each day! May your wonderful memories comfort your hearts always! Prayers, Mary

01/22/2021 01:45 am

Marsha Greene lit a candle and writes,

To Rodger's Family. I was sadden to learn of Rodger's passing, The last time I saw Rodger was December 8th, when I went to the office. Rodger was coming out of the elevator and I was waiting to get on. Rodger and I chatted about not being in the office full time for almost a year. I could not have know that that would be the last time I would see Rodger. Thinking back it was something about that encounter the would resonate when I learned of his passing. As I watched Rodger leave the building and walk across 69th Street the red jacket he had on was bright. For some reason that stuck with me. WOW. Rodger you will be missed. To Rodgers Family, my God hold you in the palm of his hands for comfort. Thank you so much for sharing Rodger with us. Co-worker Marsha Greene

01/22/2021 09:44 am

Hazel Samuel lit a candle and writes,

Its with heartfelt sympathy that l send my condolences to the family and friends of Roger Atkins. I worked with Roger at Delaware County OIDD for several years. Roger was always kind, usually had a bright smile on his face. Roger enjoyed singing or humming a tune at work. He was very helpful and enjoyed sharing his wealth of knowledge with me and countless others. Roger will be greatly missed.

01/22/2021 12:35 pm

Thomas writes,

My deepest sympathy to the family for such a sudden and heartrending loss. Living next to the hospital, I felt an immediacy at his passing. I knew Roger socially from our dinner club for about ten years and beyond. We enjoyed some evenings out and a visit to Longwood Gardens at Christmas back then. I was privileged to hear him perform in Philadelphia several times, and as a soloist at the Westminster Presbyterian Christmas concert in West Chester. He was always caring, engaging, energetic and positive, and so, so proud of his family. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in Gods loving arms.

01/23/2021 12:12 am

Dave & Lil Rea lit a candle and writes,

Roger was a beautiful person with a beautiful voice. He will be missed.

01/23/2021 11:16 am

Amy Gruszka lit a candle and writes,

I am so saddened by the new of his passing. Working for a provider agency, I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with Roger and he was always a joy to speak to and so helpful in every way. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and friends.

01/25/2021 11:21 am

Marianne Lang -Melino writes,

To Roger's Family, I am very sorry for your loss and was sad to hear of Roger's passing. I meet him several years ago when I first started working for Delaware County. Although, I have not seen him in recent years , I have fond memories of him. Roger had a personality that was larger then life. There was never a dull moment when Roger was present. He truly was one of the most unique individuals I have ever meet. Wishing you inner peace until you see him again. He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

01/26/2021 08:22 am

Ray G. writes,

The last time I saw Roger was few weeks ago on December 12th. I recently found out of Roger's passing and it made me very sad. Roger was a good person and a good friend, I knew him for years. My deepest sympathy to Roger's family and friends for his sudden loss. Rest in peace my friend. Ray

01/26/2021 01:03 pm

Linda and Pat Downes writes,

We were so very sorry to hear of Roger's passing and will keep his family in our prayers, especially Irene and Bill. We have found memories of working with Roger as a colleague at Westminster and accompanying him...what a voice! As so many have said, not only did he have a big voice, but also a big heart! How he loved his children! He left this earth far too early.

02/11/2021 07:42 pm

Suzanne Thompson lit a candle and writes,

Roger you were the sweetest man. Meeting you at the GSC was pleasure. You would make my day when I would see you and see your smile and hear your giggle. You were a very dedicated worker in your field and you loved what you did being a great advocate and understanding people with special needs. You will be missed my friend.

02/26/2021 10:30 am

Kelly Hudson writes,

Giselle and I sold Roger's Condo. We loved his smile, his infectious attitude and his love for Guy and his new chapter of life. I am so sorry to hear of this news. Please know he was a joy to work with.

03/24/2021 04:15 pm

Diane Dreger writes,

I was shocked when I heard Roger passed, I did not know he had Covid or was in the hospital. We just texted one another and told one another to have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He was working from home and only coming in once a week. It was middle of December. I was Roger's support person for Waiver. We became close and we were a team in AE. I miss his smile, his positive attitude, his singing voice and we all enjoyed him telling us his plans for next years retirement and we were all so very happy for him. He was a good man, had character, grace, loved his family and extended family. It was a joy do know him. Never said an unkind word about anyone. His faith was strong, he came from a loving family, was a good Dad, siblings, he got and received much love. It has not been the same since he passed, I miss him and seeing him everyday. I am glad at the end you were not alone, only wish the vaccine was available to you at the time. Before you got the virus.

08/13/2021 12:24 pm

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