Obituary: Roger C. Jennings

Roger C. Jennings, 74, of Brick, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University Medical Center, while surrounded by his loving wife and four children.

A viewing for Roger will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherhead Young Funeral Home, 885 Mantoloking Rd., Brick, N.J. 08723.

There will be a Funeral Mass offered on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Bay Head, N.J. Roger was born in Plainfield, N.J., and lived in North Edison, N.J., before retiring to Brick.

Prior to retiring, Roger was a successful business owner for many years. He was a dedicated parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, where he enjoyed serving at the altar every Sunday, was a trustee of the church, and was very instrumental in restoring the church after Super Storm Sandy.

An avid athlete and fitness fanatic, he placed second in the N.J. State Wrestling Tournament, completed the New York City Marathon in 3 hours and 16 minutes, and competed in numerous triathlons and bike races.

He had a great passion for life and the outdoors, and enjoyed fishing, nature, and capturing life through photography. Roger earned the rank of Eagle Scout while in the Boy Scouts, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps -- and always said, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

More than anything, he loved and adored his wife, Cathi, and his children, and cherished every opportunity to play with his grandchildren. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Cathi Boris Jennings; three sons, Jeffrey Jennings of Brick; Matthew and his wife, Kathy Jennings, of Brick, and Stephen and his wife, Constance Jennings, of Westfield, N.J.; his daughter, Marla, and her husband, Bill Buono, of Wallingford, Conn.; his seven adoring grandchildren, Matthew Jr., Luke, and Christian Jennings, Catherine Jennings and Stephen Jennings Jr., and Kaci and Will Buono. He is also survived by his brother, Paul, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Roger was predeceased by his parents, Ella Mae and Leslie, and brother, David.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Parents of Autistic Children, POAC Autism Services, 1999 Route 88, Brick, N.J. 08724 or www.poac.net. - See more at: http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?n=roger-c-jennings&pid=167854446&fhid=17164#...