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Arthur Stephen Roller - Class of 1947
Arthur Stephen Roller, 96, of Sebastian, FL, formerly of Newburgh, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, with his loving family by his side. He was born to the late Irvin and Helen (Yablonsky) Roller on July 29, 1929 in Newburgh, NY. On December 31, 1950 Art was united in marriage to his high-school sweetheart Joyce Irene Jackson in Newburgh, NY. Together they spent 71 loving years. They had four children; Debra (Tom) Martin, Dawn (Artie) Hoblin, Darin (Gary) Lease and Daryl (Tracey) Roller. Grandchildren; Shaun (Sarah), Kelly, Cory (Erin), and Ryan Martin, Jennifer Erict Jessica (Rick) Polemeni, Matthew Lease, Collen (Sarah) and Camren Roller. Great grandchildren; Landon, Alexa, Camren and Levi. Great, great grandchildren; Layla, Kylie. and Aubrey. He was predeceased by his parents, Irvin and Helen, wife Joyce, In-laws, Irene and Harold Jackson and sister-in-law Caroline Jackson Smith. Three siblings; Irvin Roller, Donna Salese, Jean Smith and one Great grandson Kyle Stevens. Arthur was a devoted Episcopalian and attended Saint Thomas' Episcopal Church in New Windsor, NY. He attended Newburgh Free Academy and graduated in 1948 enlisting in the United States Air Force soon after. He served 21 years retiring at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in 1969. His duties took him to England, Iceland, the Philippines and Vietnam. He was stationed at Stewart Air Force Base (AFB), Newburgh, NY from 1956-1961, Scott AFB, Belleville, IL from 1961-1965 and Hickam AFB, Honolulu, HI from 1965-1969. He worked for Prudential Insurance Company and managed a family beverage store (Party Beverages) in New Windsor, NY for many years following his military career. He retired in 1994 and he and his wife Joyce relocated to Park Place, Sebastian, FL in 1995 where they enjoyed many wonderful years together. During retirement he enjoyed a part-time landscaping business doing yard work for many of his friends and neighbors. Art, as he liked to be called enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He was best known for his calm personality and had a steady calming presence. He was a proud man and a staple of strength for his family and friends. He was a good listener, often giving honest heartfelt advice, standing true to his beliefs and principals. He also had a dry sense of humor that kept those around him laughing. During the summer months Art and Joyce loved entertaining the whole extended family. They created cherished memories by the simple joy of being together over food, drink and laughter. Art also played the piano and had a beautiful voice. He enjoyed singing on many special occasions throughout his life including singing the National Anthem at many events. He also participated in the church choir as a boy. Some of his favorite artist were Frank Sinatra and Perry Como. Art loved playing ping pong, tennis and golf as well as baseball and basketball during his time in the Air Force. He was an avid NY Mets fan and devoted a lifetime of following each and every game up until the end. He also enjoyed painting during his retirement years. Art was respected by friends and family alike and he leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories. We will never forget the gifts of laughter, kindness, caring, selflessness and love he gave each and everyone of us. He was a loving Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, and Friend. Art lived a full beautiful life and he will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. He often referred to the ups and downs of life as "Peaks and Valleys". Art, you ended on a peak and now have a front row seat to all of our lives. Until we meet again, God Bless and Love you! At the request of the family there will be no calling hours. Interment will take place on June 23 in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Cape Canaveral, FL. You may view obituary and send a message of condolence online.
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Arthur Stephen Roller passed away on May 2, 2026 at the age of 96. He was born in Newburgh on July 29, 1929 to Helen Yablonsky Roller & Irvin Roller. He graduated from NFA in 1947 and joined the Air Force in 1948. He married his high school sweetheart Joyce Jackson on New Years Eve 1950. They spent the next 21 years in the military starting in Newburgh then England, Iceland, Illinois and finally Hawaii. In 1969 he retired and they made their home back in Newburgh. He spent the next 20 years working as manager to Party Beverages. He is survived by his children Debra Martin (Tom), Dawn Hoblin (Art), Darin Lease (Gary), & Daryl Roller (Tracey). They had 9 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren. He and my mother finally retired and made their home In Sebastian, Florida where they have both passed. My father is also survived by his sisters Joan Granieri (Vincent), Carol Bottjer (Buddy), and Shiela Walton (Jimmy). He will be interred at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.
NFA Class Memorial Page