Roger M. Fry

Roger M. Fry, 69, of Elizabethtown, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, November 21, 2022, at his home in Conoy Township.  Born Saturday, June 13, 1953, in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Harold L. and Carol S. (Gamber) Fry.  He was married to Lynda K. (Sitler-Keene) Fry on February 26, 2005.  

Roger was a graduate of Warwick High School, having grown up in the village of Elm, PA.  During his time there he was a Varsity athlete playing basketball, baseball and running cross country.  Outside of school he enjoyed playing Legion baseball.  He worked summers in the lumber yard of Long and Bomberger in Lititz, PA.  Roger attended Millersville University graduating with a degree in Sociology.  After college, he enjoyed a time playing semi-pro baseball for Hippey’s Raiders, part of the Lebanon Valley League.

Roger always had a love for all thing’s sports.  After he ended his time on the field, Roger would become Assistant Manager of the Sporting Goods department for Kmart.  Taking with him this retail experience, he decided to embark upon a new journey on his own and established Elizabethtown Sporting Goods.  After many years working as Owner/Operator of this store, helping the sporting teams and families of the Elizabethtown community, he sold the business and moved onto a career in the Pharmaceutical industry.  Roger spent much of his career in this industry working as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Warner-Lambert, later becoming Pfizer and finally Johnson & Johnson in Lititz, PA.  After his time here, he went on to finish his working years at GlaxoSmithKline in Marietta, PA., retiring from there in 2016.

During his retirement he found a new passion for hand making furniture and crafts out of reclaimed woods.  “Rustic” is how he proudly described his many RMF productions.  From birdhouses, to barn doors, to custom bars and cabinets, he was always willing to try out a new project.  No piece of wood was ever considered scrap, and somehow, he would create something beautiful with some glue, some luck, and his recognized favorite screws.   When the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Lancaster needed table guards at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able to create the personal protection equipment they were needing, ensuring safety for the students and staff, while adding some of his signature charm.

Throughout his life, Roger was a very devout Christian having been involved with many churches.  At a very young age, Roger was very involved with church, attending the United Church of Christ in Penryn, PA.  He was very proud of having achieved perfect attendance at Sunday School.  Roger would later find a new church family at the First Church of God in Elizabethtown, PA.  Here he would go on to serve in many leadership roles including service as the Administrative Council President and the leader of the Adult Sunday School.  After many years of service and fellowship, Roger was called to the Church of God Landisville, in Landisville, PA.  At Landisville, Roger would assume similar leadership and education roles.  It is here, that he felt the need for a ministry focusing on retirees.  This new ministry was very successful, and he took great pride in its accomplishments.  He also at this time felt called to begin to lead Sunday services, providing the message and leading the scripture for the members.  Most recently, he had found a home at LifeGate in Elizabethtown, PA.  It was during his time here that he answered the spiritual calling and was installed as a Pastor with this congregation, in accordance with the New Testament Fellowship.  Through his time at LifeGate he was very proud of his Seasoned Saints Ministry for fellow retirees, a new take on his previous ministry.

When he was not spending time with church, Roger over the years was actively involved in many community organizations in Elizabethtown.  He fondly remembered his involvement with the Loyal Order of the Moose, where he helped start the Breakfast with Santa.  Among many other groups, he also enjoyed his time as an Advisor for Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay.  In recent years, he volunteered time, along with his wife, for the Meals on Wheels.

Roger was a lover of all music and enjoyed seeing many concerts and performances of his favorite artists.  His music knowledge was quite impressive.  He also enjoyed singing in church choirs.  For many years, he was a member of a southern gospel quartet, The Jerichos.

Roger was very proud of his family.  He adored opportunities to spend time visiting and reminiscing with his brother, children, grandchildren, and friends.  He enjoyed being outdoors.  Whether it be playing a round of golf or sitting around his outside fireplace in the mornings watching the sun rise.  He also appreciated watching live and telecasted sporting events and loved to cheer on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies.  

In addition to his wife of nearly 18 years, he will be lovingly missed by two children: Amanda R. Weaver, married to Jason, and Christopher M. Fry, married to Tori, both of Dillsburg.  Also surviving are a brother, Jeffrey C. Fry, married to Cheryl, of Lititz; a stepson, Dennis R. Keene, of Middletown; Grandchildren: Audrey and Andrew Weaver, Harper and Morgan Fry,  Darren Keene, married to Becky, Brandon Keene, Nathan Keene; two great grandchildren: Aliana and Owen, as well as Roger’s extended family and caring friends. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at LifeGate Church, 5636 Bossler Road, Elizabethtown, PA  17022, with Pastor Don Lamb officiating.  A viewing will be held at the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022, 717-367-1543 on Monday from 5-7 PM and also at the church from 10 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday.  Private interment will take place in Landisburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s memory to the Building Fund at LifeGate Church and mailed to the address listed above.

Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger M. Fry, please visit our floral store.