Roger Allan Sunshine

Roger Sunshine of Kendall passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on June 30th. He had just recently celebrated his 75th birthday, and his age surprised many because of his vibrant spirit and youthful looks. Roger hailed from West Orange, New Jersey, the product of immigrant grandparents from Austria and Russia. His father Hy was an independent stationer, and his mother Tess was actively involved with World ORT. He served in the Army National Guard during the Newark riots in the 1960’s. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Roger worked at J.I. Kislak in New Jersey, traveling on their behalf throughout the country and in Puerto Rico. He transferred with Kislak to Miami in the 1970’s, and later worked with numerous lending and mortgage institutions during his financial career, including American Savings, Citizens Federal, Margaretten, and Centrust. Before his official retirement in 2011, Roger worked alongside is wife, Susan, for over 20 years in their private appraisal practice. In retirement he kept active by raising orchids, playing with his own and all cat visitors, chatting with neighbors and friends, watching movies, keeping the household running smoothly, and planning yearly vacations.

Roger was a man of many interests, who worked to be proficient at them all. He was a jazz drummer, trained by Joe Morello of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, and he played with various New Jersey jazz ensembles. His interest in baseball began when he was five and his mother ordered the Dodger uniform he wanted. He instead became a lifelong Yankee fan when a Yankee uniform mistakenly arrived. Roger fondly remembered when pros like Yogi Berra and Joe D would stop on their way into the stadium and play catch with the kids. His love for magic also began at a young age since there was a magic shop he frequented as a child on his way home from school. He learned many “secrets” from the professional magicians who were customers, and they would teach their craft to the children in the shop. He had just begun teaching his great nephew, Zachary, some magic. Roger’s favorite trips were to the Jersey Shore, where he spent summers as a child with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and sister, and later with his wife Susan. Rides on the Coney Island Wonder Wheel, the carousel and bumper cars were never to be missed when travelling to New York.

Roger will be long remembered as a kind hearted, smart and funny guy who could instantly make friends with his sharp wit and humor. His goal was to live a happy and healthy life, and family memories were always what made him tick. We are thankful that Roger left us without pain and sorrow. In lieu of flowers or food, please donate on his behalf to your favorite charity, or to the YMCA, where he felt at home and had many workout buddies.

Roger is dearly missed by his wife Susan Alters Sunshine; sister Irys Sunshine; nephew Lee Cassell and his wife Kathryn; Uncle Ed Scharf of Mexico; many dear in-laws, cousins and their families; and many kind friends and neighbors.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 5th, 1pm, at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mt Nebo Kendall Memorial Gardens, 5900 SW 77th Avenue. Friends and family will be welcomed at the Sunshine residence at 10190 SW 99th Avenue, Miami, following the service, until 9pm. Your prayers and kindnesses are appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo (Kendall), Miami, FL.