Roger Paul Gritton

Roger is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia Edwards, one sister, Sharon Schachtner of Ft. Dodge, IA, one brother-in-law, Jim Buchan of Cedar Falls, IA, four nephews, Jim Schachtner, Bill Schachtner, Dan Schachtner, Brian Schachtner and niece, Lisa Langner all from Colorado and Iowa.

Roger was born on July 2, 1952 in Rock Island, IL to Paul and Cleo Gritton. He moved to Ft. Dodge, IA as a toddler and graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in 1974 and MS Architecture in 1979. He and his wife, Patricia moved from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL in late 1988. They had no children but were devoted to Toby, Andy and Teddy their beloved dogs. Their joint interest in travel, architecture and art took them to Italy several times as well as France, Spain, and the UK.

Roger’s entire career was devoted to turning clients’ dream homes into reality through his artful design. He was a proud member of American Institute of Architects (AAA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and Tampa Bay Builders’ Association (TBBA). After working for the largest residential architectural design firm in the country, Roger founded and was President of his own architectural firm, Gritton Architects & Associates from 1991 – 2023 and received numerous national, regional and local awards. He was well known in the Tampa architectural community, chosen to judge Parade of Homes and designed Showcase Homes throughout the country.

In addition to architecture, Roger had a passion for his 1960 red convertible Corvette and playing SCRABBLE.

Roger’s health declined due to Parkinsons Disease and he retired in 2022. He fought a good fight until his death and was known as an ethical, kind man and business professional. As successful as he was in his chosen profession, he realized that it paled in comparison to his relationship with his savior, Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Life Church, Tampa, at a later time.