Roger Edward Bermas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on September 24, 2026, at the age of 87. Roger was a kind and gentle soul, who was deeply loved by those who had the privilege to know him.

Roger graduated from Princeton and then pursued a law degree at Harvard. He practiced law until the age of 45, when he made the brave decision to retire early. Seeking career options which were more suited to his interests, he became a copyeditor for a publishing company in NYC and taught English as a second language to Japanese students, many of whom became dear, lifelong friends. Although formally retired, he spent countless hours advising and counseling family and friends on finance and business matters. In his free-time, Roger loved to read, hike, run (10 marathons in 3 countries), travel, and listen to classical music.

In 1964, Roger married Elaine, and together, they raised 2 children and 5 dogs. They enjoyed spending time with 4 grandchildren, who they helped to put through college. As a couple, they shared many wonderful adventures and made friends all over the world from Japan to Australia to Great Britain. No matter how far they traveled, they would always return to 191 Salem Road – their home of 54 years. This summer, on July 19th, they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Roger was a person of extraordinary quality and character. Honest to a fault and driven by an uncompromising moral compass, he served as an example to us all of what is right and good. Roger possessed a remarkable inner warmth, which was deeply felt by those who spent time with him. He had an exceptionally generous spirit and accepted everyone just as they were. His erudition, wit, and penchant for puns livened many a dinner table. As a husband, he was devoted, loyal, and a stalwart champion. As a father and grandfather, he was loving, understanding, and supportive. As a friend, he gave his time and energy freely and would walk by your side through whatever difficulties life had in store for you.

To everyone who received Roger and Elaine’s Christmas letters, you know they always concluded with some recommendations. If you wish to spend a few minutes honoring Roger’s memory, we think his final suggestions might include the following:

Mahler’s 2nd Symphony - “The Resurrection Symphony”

“This Poem” by Joseph Harris (see below)

Anthony Trollope books (Castle Richmond, John Caldigate)

Gin on the rocks with a twist of lemon

A pair of fashionable ‘slipper socks’

A trip to Murren, Switzerland with a hike to Tanzbodeli

Roger will be terribly missed. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, his son, Harry, his daughter, Honnie, four grandchildren, and his dog Skye. There will be a Celebration of Life event on January 17th, at 4pm CDT, which will be conducted over Zoom. Please save the date and join us. More details will follow via email. 

“This Poem”

Is for the quiet, uncelebrated things of the world-

The road to no familiar place,

Love’s skill on a troubled night,

The unpublished poem and lost song,

The way of the wild drake and night’s festival of sound;

For the body’s silent defeat of disease,

And mysteries that hold their secrets.

For multitudes of creatures and created things clothed in the graceful sanctity of their rightful natures.

-Joseph Harris