O’Dwyer

Roger O’Dwyer

May 25, 1937 ~ Mar 22, 2024

Roger O’Dwyer passed away on Mar 22, 2024 at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer. Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years Carole, his sons Brian, Michael and Sean and his daughter Kathleen. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren; Daniel, Erin and Kienan (Kevin’s Children);Brendan and Ayla (Brian’s children), Rachel and David (Kathleen’s children); Roger and Rory (Michael’s children) as well as Mika and Kylee (Sean’s children). He has one step great grandson Lincoln and another on the way.

Roger was born on May 25, 1937 in Jamaica (Queens) New York the son of immigrants; Roger and Katherine O’Dwyer. He had two older sisters Peggy and Mary, and an older brother Robert in his family who have since passed. He grew up on the streets of New York City and Long Island during his youth surrounded by his family and extended family. Roger loved to hunt and fish and spent time outdoors when he could. He was a bright student and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University in 1958, a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa 1974 and an MBA from Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. He believed that Education was the one thing that could never be taken away from you and that it was a great leveler in Society.

Roger entered the Marines shortly after graduating in 1958 and graduated from Boot Camp to enter the Marine Reserves. He later switched military branches to the Army and attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, OK. He graduated and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in August of 1959. Shortly after his commissioning he returned to Wheeling WV to marry his wife Carole on Sept 12th, 1959. They embarked on their life together in the Army which meant raising a family while moving quite often to where the Army sent them. He was assigned to the Signal Corps and that led to many postings in the United States and Overseas during his 25 year military career.

Roger and family were posted to many locations in the US and Overseas during his Military career. Roger served in the Signal Corp but had many postings that were due to his also being an Airborne graduate. His posting included time in Ft Bragg with the 82nd Airborne with many jumps, Ft Hood twice, Fort Knox, the Pentagon and Germany to name a few. Roger gave all of his postings everything and was a proud and respected soldier and commander. 

Roger served in combat in several different countries in his career. He was in the Dominican Republic in 1965 and several other South/Central American countries as well. Roger had several tours in Vietnam and served bravely with Green Beret A-Teams during his time there. Roger earned many commendations during his career for his bravery, skill and competence of command, some even from the countries he was deployed in.

Roger finished his career as the XO for the 3rd Signal Brigade and had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Roger was proud and honored to have served this Country for 25 years.

Roger went on to work for Lockheed Martin on numerous projects that were in the defense of this Country; Naval Cruise Missiles, the Aquila Drone and projects in the Skunk Works. He retired to Copperas Cove with Carole where he was active in local politics and civic agencies. He gave his service to the community even after retiring from the Military and Lockheed because he believed it was important to give back to make the World a better place.

Roger was a Comrade to his fellow soldiers, a loving Husband to his wife and a caring Father to his Children and Grandchildren. He was a lifelong Catholic and devout in his beliefs. He cared dearly for this Country and for those men and women who serve in the Military. He valued Freedom and he knew well what the cost of that Freedom for this Country could be, everything up to and including his life.

Roger will be sorely missed by his family and friends but most of all by his wife of 65 years Carole. Roger was a gregarious and friendly person and will be remembered by his friends and family long after he is gone.