Roger Allan Damushes

Roger Allan Damushes was born in East Hartford, Connecticut on a chilly November 8, 1949. He grew up an only child – he was the apple of his mother’s and father’s eye, spoiled in every way. He lived in East Hartford until he entered the Army at age 20, he was stationed in Korea, in the artillery division. After the Army he moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and started a commercial landscape business, working with architects installing exotic foliage at such prestigious locations as the Mai Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Aire Condominiums in Pompano, and the original Boca Raton Mall. His business also included a retail store at which his wife, mother-in-law and sister-in-law worked, gratis of course.

Having tired of the outdoor life, and having an entrepreneurial spirit, he moved to Palm Beach County with Pat in 1985 and pursued a business opportunity with the then family-oriented, faith-based ServiceMaster Group of companies. He successfully owned and operated his franchise - ServiceMaster of Jupiter/Tequesta - for 33 years. Covid came in 2020 and his business slowed, which, in a way, was a sign for Roger that he should retire, due to his age and failing health. He was forced to give up his franchise and he officially retired in January 2021. He suffered with ill health during the last two years of his life, though he always remained in good spirits.

Roger was a brother, an uncle, and a friend among his friends and family. He was a Godfather to a beautiful niece and great-niece living in CA, with whom he kept up with on Facebook. In Florida he was an uncle to his niece, Jessica, and Godfather to 2 of Jessica’s beautiful girls, Riley and Harper, who greatly inspired him to keep up his happy-go-lucky good nature. With his family, and those who knew him, he was known for his sense of humor, and enjoyed being “A Jolly Joker” (he, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law were huge fans of The Three Stooges), he was also known as “Fun-Loving Uncle RaRa”. He and Pat loved opening their home to entertain, ready to have a party for whatever reason (especially sports). Cooking and planning Sunday family dinners were a part of his life, actually a joy for him. He was the ultimate Costco shopper, so much so that on several occasions he mentioned that everything he was wearing was purchased from Costco! He hooked his brother-in-law on Costco as well, and they would phone to advise each other when they were traveling in a new state and visiting a new Costco!

Roger has always been a best friend, husband, provider and confidant and soul mate to his wife, Pat, for over 40 years.

He felt privileged being an Usher at the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass here at St. Therese, and above all he was most proud of being a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus where he made lifelong friendships. He especially loved participating by assisting the Knights at their meetings, their World-Famous breakfasts, their fish fries during Lent, their dinners throughout the years, and their many community functions. He loved the kinship he felt being among his fellow Knights.

Roger will be remembered for being an all-around gentle man, a great, kind and jovial soul, always willing to be of help to anyone who needed him. There isn’t anyone who would have an unkind word to say about him.

He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.