Roger Phillip Fangman

Born on September 10, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Roger was the son of Robert and Margaret Fangman. He lived a life defined by bringing people together—through adventure, hospitality, generosity, patriotism, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Roger attended St. Saviour Grade School and graduated from Archbishop Moeller High School in 1968. While at Moeller, he participated in the school's Big Brother Program, mentoring boys at St. Aloysius Orphanage. During those years he also discovered passions that would shape his life: speed boats, water skiing, and cooking.

Water skiing became one of Roger's defining pursuits. A professional skier, he was a founder and leader of the Cincy Skiers Show Team organization, helping build it into one of the Midwest's premier water-ski clubs. Through shows, tournaments, clinics, and community events, Roger shared his enthusiasm for the sport while creating friendships that lasted a lifetime.

His entrepreneurial spirit and love of hospitality led him into the restaurant business, where he and his friend Jim Elsbrock operated the beloved Sleepy Hollow Restaurant in Loveland, Ohio. An outstanding chef and gracious host, Roger believed that the best meals were those shared with family and friends.

Roger later enjoyed a successful career in the hotel industry, serving as General Manager for numerous hotel properties and brands. Whether welcoming guests, mentoring employees, or solving challenges behind the scenes, he approached every role with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for others.

After retiring, Roger fulfilled a longtime dream by relocating to Ormond Beach, Florida, in 2022. There he embraced the coastal lifestyle he had always loved. Cruising became one of his greatest joys. He loved the ships, the destinations, the comedy shows, the entertainment, and, of course, the food. A devoted fan of the band 7th Heaven, he especially enjoyed seeing them perform aboard many of his cruises. Roger was also one of the biggest fans of ABBA and Mamma Mia!, rarely missing an opportunity to enjoy their music.

Roger often joked that no cruise should end before the next vacation had already been planned. He believed the next meal should be discussed while enjoying the current one and insisted that passengers who put their suitcases outside their cabins too early should be banned for reminding everyone that the adventure was coming to an end. His infectious enthusiasm made every trip more memorable for those lucky enough to travel with him.

He also loved Walt Disney World, boats, ships, and the ocean, finding happiness wherever people gathered to celebrate life and create memories.

Family was always Roger's greatest priority. Throughout his life, he remained deeply involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews, taking them to the movies, the circus, out for special treats, and on countless adventures. He was the family's organizer and keeper of traditions, hosting annual Thanksgiving gatherings at Orange Lake Resort that became a cherished way of keeping generations connected.

Roger was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Parish and deeply patriotic.

He is survived by his brothers Robert Fangman, Richard Fangman (Irene), and Ronald Fangman (Melanie); nieces and nephews Chris Fangman, Amy Fangman, Lori Suggs (Nate), Bryan Fangman (Phawimon), James Fangman (Deseray), Nicole Geisen (Eric), Ryan Fangman (Britney), and Erin Fangman; and great-nieces and great-nephews Michael Fangman, Vela Fangman, Kai Fangman, Noah Suggs, Lila Suggs, and Olivia Suggs. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Margaret Fangman and his sister-in-law Pamela Fangman.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Saviour Parish in Deer Park, Ohio on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Roger's Life will immediately follow at the Clubhouse at Mayfair of Montgomery, 10555 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Nathaniel's Hope.

More than anything, Roger will be remembered for the joy he brought to others. He was a mentor, professional skier, chef, hotelier, traveler, host, patriot, and storyteller—but above all, he was the person who made sure everyone had a seat at the table and something to look forward to. Whether planning the next family gathering, organizing the next cruise, or simply deciding where everyone would eat next, Roger's greatest happiness came from sharing life's experiences with the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the traditions he created, the memories he inspired, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, laughter, and unwavering love of family.