Obituary of Roger T. Brashear

ONEIDA . . . Roger T. Brashear, 87, of 1377 Upper Lenox Avenue, Oneida, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018, at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. He was born on May 21, 1931, in Westmoreland, the son of the late Thomas and Mildred (Crawford) Brashear. Roger spent his early years in Clinton and Utica, attending the House of the Good Shepard School in Utica, and later received an Associate's Degree from Utica College. Roger married Janet J. Rosetta on January 12, 1957, in the Military Chapel at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY. Janet passed away on January 26, 2016. After 20 years in the Air Force, he retired in 1970. Those 20 years were an odyssey, taking him and his family to Spain, a number of stateside air bases, and a tour in Vietnam. Roger and the family moved to Oneida in 1970, to be close to Janet's parents, brothers, and sister. Roger, later worked for the New York State Labor Department in Oneida, for 15 years, retiring in 1985. He was a lifetime member and Past Commander of the American Legion, Post #230 in Sherrill, past Commander of the Oneida County Legion, and a Vice Commander of the Legion's Fifth District. Roger, also, served several terms as the Commander of the Sherrill Post's Honor Guard, and terms as the President of Sherrill Post Memorial Board Building Corporation. He was active in developing legislation that affected veterans' benefits. Roger enjoyed traveling, working in his yard, doing home improvement projects, Veteran related activities, and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving are: his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Elizabeth Brashear of Portland, OR; his daughter, Theresa Batty (Brashear) and Steven Canales of Oneida; five grandchildren, Alex, Karla, Christina, Angela, and Patricia Brashear; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Roger was predeceased by three brothers, William, Gerald, and Donald; and two sisters, Jeanette, and Loretta. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Memorial services will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Deacon Adolph Uryniak of St. Agatha's Church, will officiate. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or to American Legion Post # 230, 168 E. Seneca Street, Sherrill, NY 13461, with envelopes available at the funeral home. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home