Roger Edward Fiola was born on October 1st, 1928 in Kingston, Massachusetts to Raymond Paul Fiola and Beatrice Laurette Dumoulin Fiola. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1946 where he was nicknamed Superman. He was President of the National Honor Society, a Student Council member, played on the basketball team, played percussion in the Orchestra, and graduated with Honors. He composed the music to their class song. He was well known for his wit and worked as a soda jerk at a local drug store during his high school years.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1951 where he served in Communications, Cryptology, and as a Recruiter. He received several commendation awards/medals for his exemplary service. He was an active duty member during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He passed away without being able to tell us his stories since some of them are still “Classified”. He moonlighted as a musician in Europe mostly during the time of his service and met several famous people (before they were famous). Opened for The Animals, The Beatles, and knew Dolly Parton. He played steel guitar in Tommy Jones and The Hayriders. He met his future wife Marjorie Baird in the fall of 1967 in New York City, recruited her into the Air Force in March 1968, and then married her in May 1968. He retired after 21 years as a Tech Sergeant in 1972. They had 2 children together during their 20 years of marriage, Deborah (born 1970-Goose Bay AFB) and Michael (born 1972-Austin, TX).
Roger and Marjorie moved to Austin, Texas after his retirement. He became a REALTOR, a Land Developer/Builder, and eventually bought the Pringle Company from long term friends and business partners, Howard and Wylie Pringle. He specialized in farm and ranch properties until the age of 88. Roger was very involved in the community with the neighborhood association, the school board of education at Holy Word Lutheran, and socializing with friends at Steak and Ale & Sherlocks.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Beatrice; and his sister Annette “Bunny” Fiola Landry. He is survived by his sister Irene Beatrice Fiola Doherty of Cohasset, MA; daughter, Deborah “Debby” Jean Fiola Oulicky of Dallas, TX; son, Michael Thomas Fiola of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Cameron Mills, Ryan Oulicky, and Tristan Fiola (all of Austin, TX); great-grandchild Owen Mills of Austin, TX; and beloved caregivers, Lorraine Castanon Munoz, Gerard Munoz, Iris Mercado, and Ron Petter.
On Monday March 5th, Roger was called to his eternal home due to natural causes at the age of 89.
Visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35 Pflugerville, Texas 78660, on Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2018 with the committal service immediately following at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.
The family would like to note that they are requesting Red/White flowers and/or plants due to the military nature of the services. They are also requesting that those who will be paying their respects to wear something blue in his memory.
