Roger A. Wilcox

A card playing, horseshoe wielding, fried chicken connoisseur, Roger, known as Big Pops by his family, was competitive and outgoing; eager to pick up a game of cribbage or share his many accomplishments and adventures traveling the world, for many years via a 5th wheel RV before they were in vogue. Known to many as their friendly neighborhood Fuller Brush man, Roger sold door to door starting in 1960, becoming a district manager a couple years later. In 1966 Roger left Fuller Brush and worked as a sales agent for Prudential Insurance Company until his retirement in 1984. He and his beloved wife, Mary, were able to start their traveling adventures full-time. Roger also volunteered his time and services to his community and the church through his commitments to the Boy Scouts of America, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Oneonta Volunteer Fire Department, and the Knight’s of Columbus.

Roger was born in Smyrna, NY on February 13, 1928, to Nellie Mae (King) Wilcox and Dudley R. Wilcox. The family moved to Norwich, NY when he was six years old and then to a farm in Smyrna, NY where he grew up, attended school and worked on the farm, milking 8 cows by hand.

He married Mary Louise Delaney on August 19, 1950, starting their life together on South Canal Street in Greene, NY.

He is predeceased by his parents, his loving wife of 67 years, his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Wales (Burton) of Plymouth, NY, brother and sister-in-law, Alvin Bradley (Ann) of Monroe, NC, sister-in-law Pat Delaney of Greene, NY, brother-in-law Thomas Delaney of Gilbertsville NY, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Catherine McDonald (John) of McGraw NY, brother-in-law Martin Delaney of Greene, NY, and daughter-in-law, Carol Cooke of Oak Hill, NY.

He is survived by his six children, James Wilcox of Oak Hill, NY, Jeanne Bensen (John) of Greenville, NY, Michael Wilcox (Kathy) of Clinton Springs, NY, Mark Wilcox (Renee) of Schenectady, NY, Kathleen Wenck (David) of Dayton, TN, Kevin Wilcox of Albany, NY, his brother-in-law, James Delaney of Greene, NY, sister-in-law Anita Delaney of St. Augustine, Fl, sister-in-law, Marion Delaney of Greene, NY. Roger is also survived by his grandchildren, Christy Charise (Justin), A.J. Bensen (Ruth), Robert Holcomb (Lynn), Leroy Holcomb, Kaela Knoth (TJ), Morgan Houle (Zachariah), Stephanie Wenck Juliano (Josh), Anemarie Wenck, and great grandchildren, Austin and Ashley Charise, Noah and Nate Holcomb, Julian Knoth, Riah and Rory Houle, Adelina and Troy Bensen. Roger also leaves behind a large loving family of nieces and nephews, and many friends throughout the United Stated and Canada. He leaves a host of longtime friends at Lake Region Village in Haines City, FL.

Calling Hours to be held at Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand St, Oneonta, NY, Friday July 11th from 5-7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St Mary’s Church 39 Walnut St Oneonta, NY, Saturday July 12th at 11 am. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons, NY.

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at The American Legion on Chestnut St, Oneonta at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Family Resource Network, Inc. 46 Oneida St, Oneonta NY.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.