Roger Lawrence Andrews of Vineyard Haven died Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after suffering from lung cancer. He was 66.
Roger was a lifelong Island resident. He was born in Oak Bluffs on Oct. 4, 1941, the son of Lawrence and Ann Marie Kyllonen Andrews.
He attended the Tisbury Elementary School and was graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 1959. Soon after graduating, he enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and served until he was honorably discharged with the rank of airman second class in 1964.
Roger returned to the Island and started his path towards owning RLA Enterprise, a caretaking business. He worked on swordfishing boats, was a landscaper, and held various other Island jobs, which quickly made him a valuable commodity in his business.
Roger enjoyed fishing and hunting and nature, especially birds. He was very family-oriented and devoted to his three daughters and grandchildren. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his third grandchild, who was due very soon.
Roger was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Oak Bluffs and the Holy Ghost Society in Oak Bluffs.
Survivors include his daughters, Katy A. Mansfield and her husband, Rick of Bridgewater, Sarah J. Strelecki and her husband, Keith of Vineyard Haven and Lizzy Andrews and her husband, Dorian Kristuli, of Boston; his former wife, Eileen Flynn Andrews of Vineyard Haven; two grandchildren, Alyssa A. and Chandler A. Strelecki, both of Vineyard Haven; his half-brother, Brian McGee of Marshfield; and many lifelong Island friendships.
An interment service was held Tuesday, Nov. 13 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Vineyard Haven. The Rev. Michael Nagle officiated.
Donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association, of Massachusetts, Inc., 393 Maple street, Springfield, MA 01105.
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