Roger William Reis

Roger William Reis, 82, of Riverside County, California, passed away on August 6, 2025, at Kindred Hospital in Ontario, California, after a life filled with creativity, humor, and deep connection to the people he loved.

Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on November 22, 1942, Roger grew up in Stoughton and later made Rockland his home for more than 30 years before spending the last decade in California, dividing his time between Orange County and Riverside County.

A 1961 graduate of Stoughton High School, Roger proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following his service, he pursued his artistic passion, taking classes at Massachusetts College of Art. He was a gifted cartoonist, creating the comic strip Sheriff Sam and Company which appeared in local newspapers. Roger also built a varied career, working for Armstrong World Industries as a security guard turned pipe fitter, Spinnaker Island overseeing maintenance.

Roger’s life was rich with interests and talents: he loved fishing, playing tennis and basketball, following his beloved New England Patriots, cheering for Tom Brady, reading about history, building and crafting through carpentry, and flying planes. He had a deep appreciation for art and storytelling, even penning his own book, Helga’s Island. Music was another passion, having sung in Holy Family Choir in Rockland, MA.

Faith was a guiding force in Roger’s life, and he met the world with warmth and humor. He was the kind of person who tried to make a stranger laugh, thriving on bringing joy to others. One of his favorite lines, often delivered with a grin, was, “All I want is a winning lottery ticket.”

Roger is survived by his wife, Donna M. (Delmonaco) Reis; his children, Jennie M. Reis of Cohasset, MA and Joseph M. Reis of Corona, CA; his siblings, Ellen Marie Fredericks of Gilford, NH and Sandra May Reis of Laguna Woods, CA; and his beloved pets over the years, including Sweetie Pie and Kokomo. He was predeceased by his parents, Gunnar W. Reis originally from Sweden and Mabel Maggi of Massachusetts, as well as his siblings, Robert Gunnar Reis and Joan Christine Reis. He also held a special fondness for Einstein, his son’s dog.

A memorial service will be held privately in the future.