Roger D. Lewis, 82, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (May 20, 2022) at Gutherie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., following a short illness.
Mr. Lewis was born on December 29, 1939 in Wellsville to Erwin Ross and Irma (Fish) Lewis. He was a 1957 graduate of Andover Central School. He graduated from Rochester Business Institute with an Associates’ Degree in Drafting. From 1962-1964 he served his country as a military police officer in the United States Army. On April 20, 1968 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Rochester, he married Joan Stahlbrodt, who survives.
Roger spent the majority of his years working as a drafter for Xerox Industries in the Rochester area. He also did some sub-contracting during that time. He retired from this career in 1999 and worked at Wegmans and various restaurants in the area. His home area was calling to him and he was drawn back to Andover where he bought a farm in the late 1990’s. By 1999, he had the farm functioning and he and Joan began this chapter of their lives.
Along with his dear wife of 54 years, Roger is survived by his sons, David Eric (Jenny) Lewis of Greer, S.C. and Greg Erwin Lewis of San Francisco, Ca.; his sister, Diane Lewis Conde of Alfred; two grandchildren, Bradley Lewis and Brooke Lewis; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his father and mother, Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by two brothers, Erwin “Donald” Lewis and infant Rodney Lewis, a brother-in-law, David Conde, a niece Lisa Lewis; and a great nephew, Joshua Lewis.
Visiting the Lewis Farm is the beginning of knowing Roger as it was his lifeblood. His original vision of purchasing the then 140-acre Lynch Farm and renovating the barn into a home came to fruition under his careful hand. He populated the acreage with apple trees and bee hives and contentedly tinkered many hours on the mowers, tractors, and various other equipment needed for successful farming. The orchard produced abundantly allowing Roger to also branch into making apple cider.
During the transition of their time from Rochester to Andover, Roger began to take over the cooking responsibilities, which he happily continued to do throughout the years. His masterpiece was fried turkey, but he also shared his skills by cooking for the church corned beef dinners and he also cooked sausages for Memorial Day.
Roger was an outdoors person at heart. He enjoyed hunting, primarily deer, fishing, and bird watching. He took great pleasure in simply roaming, observing nature and soaking in the tranquility. His appreciation of nature was exercised in their travels which included Europe, Scandinavia, Hawaii, Alaska, most of the lower 48, including Florida where he chose a winter home for their later years. Some of the most memorable trips were to New Orleans visiting family who lived there for a time.
The sports fields in Andover were frequently visited by Roger and Joan as he delighted in watching whatever was in play. He especially enjoyed watching basketball and was an avid March Madness spectator.
Roger was a quiet man, very at ease simply being present. He was ready to do whatever he could to be a help to friends, neighbors, and community events, demonstrating a true servant’s heart. He adored his grandchildren and participated in their antics in ways that only a grandpa can, resulting in many giggles and fun times.
There will be a time of visitation on Friday (June 3, 2022) from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover, followed by a memorial service officiated by Rev. Christian Mattison of the First Presbyterian Church of Andover. On JULY 3, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Lewis Farm, time to be announced, and will include military honors offered by the Andover American Legion, Lynch/Burgett Post #397 and the United States Army. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Roger’s name may be made to Hillside Cemetery Association, PO Box 313, Andover NY 14806 or the Andover Historical Society, PO Box 66, Greenwood Street, Andover, NY 14806. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
