Roger E. Wilson, Jr.

Roger Wilson, beloved brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Doctors Community Hospital after experiencing multiple heart attacks and kidney problems that began on November 26.

Roger was born on September 9, 1956 in Tiffin, Ohio to Roger E. Wilson and Mary Angelo Wilson. He spent much of his childhood in Wheaton, MD where his gifts as a musician began to emerge early. After years of playing drums in marching bands, he received a degree in music (classic percussion) from the New England Conservatory in his early 20's. He then performed for a time as a percussionist with the Fairfax Symphony. In addition to his percussion playing, he also took up the piano, which gave him and those around him much pleasure in his later years. In the late 90's he taught Music Appreciation for Prince George's Community College at Heartland Healthcare Center.

Central to Roger's life was a profound faith in Jesus Christ and a vibrant participation in the life of the Catholic Church. Roger was known to spend much time in prayer on behalf of the disadvantaged, the sick, and the homeless. He also studied scripture with extraordinary devotion and was always ready with a quotation from the Bible for any need and occasion. For decades, Roger took his faith into the community in energetic Christian service, volunteering on behalf of the elderly, the handicapped, and the mentally ill in several nursing homes and hospitals. For the last 5 years of his life he served the Greenbelt Adult Day Care members with weekly Bible studies, Christian hymn singing, and piano playing.

Roger is survived by his brother Thom Wilson (Beth), sister Diane Comicle-Ganz (Brian), nephews Greg and Elliot Wilson, and Matt and Zach Cormicle. He is also survived by his dear long-time friends Tom Trunk, Nora Gallagher, and Georgia Porter. These and other friends were also like family to him, providing much strength and support through difficult times. 

For many years Roger loved and cared for his rescue dog, Nikki, with whom he shared a deep bond of love and friendship. In honor of Roger's faithful devotion to Nikki, who predeceased Roger, the family is asking that donations be made in Roger's name to Almost Home Dog Rescue, a registered 501(c)(3) charity.

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