Roger John Segalla

Roger John Segalla, Sr. passed away on Saturday, August 5th at 1:30 in the afternoon. He was at home on his beloved property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by loved ones. He was 83 years old.

Roger was born in Scranton, PA on April 15, 1934. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Jeannette and Dominic Segalla. Roger moved to Jersey City, NJ and lived the life of hard-working immigrants during the 30’s and 40’s. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and stationed in Germany. Making use of the GI Bill upon his return, he completed a degree in electrical engineering. He held various positions in engineering before being hired by IBM, where he worked for over 25 years. Roger moved his family from Poughkeepsie, NY to Reston, VA and later, to Washington, D.C. with IBM. He held several positions with IBM, completing his tenure with work in marketing, which had him travel all over the world. He was recognized with awards for his work throughout his career.

Roger was a consummate hobbyist, nature lover, and highly informed political commentator amongst family and friends. His hobbies and interests over the years included organic gardening, painting, sewing, bread making, gourmet cooking, astrology, running, tennis, playing the accordion and guitar, camping and hiking, bonsai and Japanese gardening, photography, music, stock analysis and trading. After his retirement from IBM, Roger spent four years renovating an 1800’s schoolhouse in Sperryville, VA. Over the next decade he cultivated one of the most beautiful properties in the Hazel River hollow. He took great pride in his home and property and enjoyed sharing it with family and friends.

Roger is survived by his son, Roger, Jr and wife Suzanne, daughter Lauren Lanahan and husband Mike, daughter Gail, daughter Colette and husband Tom Edwards, son Kevin and wife, Michele, as well as the mother of his five children, Rosemary Segalla. He is survived by nine grandchildren: Sean, Gaby, Jessie, Danny, Ethan, Anastasia, Colin, Griffin, and Sofia. He is survived by his sister, Lydia, sister-in-law Delores, and nieces and nephews Robert, Donna, Joyce, Edward, and Jeanelle. He is survived by his beloved companion, Jenny Gaden, and his canine companion, Lily. Roger is predeceased by his parents, Jeannette and Dominic Segalla, and his brother, Angelo Segalla.

A memorial for Roger will be held on his property in Sperryville, VA on Saturday, October 28th at 3:00 pm. Roger requested cremation of his final remains, which will be scattered on his land by family and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Cremation Society of Virginia - Chantill, Chantilly, VA.