Steve Roper was born on October 6, 1952, to James and Joyce “Brunelli” Roper in Raton, NM sharing a birthday with his beloved grandmother, Margaret “Hay” Roper, who turned 42 that same day. Grandma Roper always referred to death as “Going Your Merry Way,” and Steve did just that on September 28, in Chicago, IL after a long, courageous, and determined battle with Parkinson’s disease.
While in high school Steve was first the organist at St. Patrick’s church getting up and going to mass when most teenagers were still sleeping then he established the first guitar mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church a time that he held as a moment of pride, but also some of his fondest memories of his youth. In 1969 Steve traveled to London to visit his Uncle Vincent Brunelli who resided there, this may well explain Steve’s lifelong passion for history, especially European history. Steve was a 1970 graduate of Raton High School and went on to receive his degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1974. During his Junior year at Notre Dame, Steve was an exchange student in Angers, France for the year, an experience that fostered a lifelong bond with his “French family” Steve considered Anne a sister just like Karen and Mary Lynn and it ignited his passion for European travel. He proudly took his Grandma Margaret to Scotland for her 80th birthday to trace family roots. Steve delighted in introducing his nephews to the wonders of Europe. Traveling with his siblings, whether exploring historic cities or savoring fine wine, Steve filled every journey with his vast knowledge, curiosity, and humor.
Steve’s career in banking took him across the country and around the world, with homes in Albuquerque, New Orleans, Austin, San Diego, Little Rock, Columbus, and Chicago. as well as an assignment in Leeds, England. Steve also conducted training in India. While Steve excelled in his career his love was travel, his annual treks to France, and other spots across the globe including a beach or two when Mary Lynn got him to join her. Steve’s employers, including Chase Bank, recognized his value and dedication—so much so that they granted him six-week unpaid leaves to pursue his European adventures.
Steve made friends everywhere he went, his fun witty way was contagious only exceeded by his generosity. While Steve had no children, he loved a dotted over his nephews, Brian “Chase” Sherman, Daniel & Jacob Roper and Tim Mckee. His loved didn’t stop there it included his French sister Anne’s children Gabrielle Rosset and Laurence LeBlond, his cousin Bonnie’s daughter Allison Dolan, niece Emma Novins, and the children of his dear college friend John Moellering, Claire, Joseph, and Christopher John. Who knew him fondly as “Uncle Steve.”
Steve was preceded in death by the tragic death of his mother in 1973, his father Jim and sister Karen. Steve is survived by his partner Cedric Jereige of Chicago, Sister Mary Lynn Roper (Sheryl Paloni), Brother Mark Roper (Monica) all of Albuquerque, Nephews Brian “Chase” Sherman (LaVinda) Vero Beach, FL, Daniel Roper (Stephanie) Roswell, Jacob Roper Greensborro, NC, and Tim McKee Albuquerque. A special love also remained between Steve and his former wife, Leslie Novins. Four grandnephews and one grandniece also survive. Many friends, cousins and loved ones remain.
Steve will be remembered for his intelligence, sharp wit, generous heart and a fun spirit that never quit. He will also be remembered for the joy and love he brought to everyone, fortunate enough to know him.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Miller’s Pub in Chicago on October 18th at 7:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated October 24, 10:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho.
Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Raton on Saturday October 25, at 12 noon.
I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I know he was a cowboy with a great sense of humor. But he was also a baseball player. I never laughed so hard as when Bill told me
he was on deck when I knocked out the batter ahead of him with a fast ball. We were in little league then and that was about 70 years ago.
You led a great life, Bill and will be sadly missed by your friends and family.
Bob Beaudette
After running around from doctor to doctor before we finally got rid of her Parkinson disease, at age 54, my mother noticed that her handwriting was getting smaller, and I was writing faster as well. She also noticed a small tremor in her left hand. The doctor went over her different symptoms, and he suspected she either had a small stroke or the beginnings of Parkinson’s disease. After finding a neurologist and some testing, she was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease. That was 3 years ago. She takes Sinemet four times a day to control the symptoms, which include falling, imbalance, gait problems, swallowing difficulties, and slurring off speech. This year, our family doctor started her on www. madibaherbalcenter. com Parkinson disease Herbal mixture. Over 3 months into treatment, she improved dramatically. At the end of the full treatment course, the disease is totally under control. No case of dementia, hallucination, weakness, muscle pain, or tremors.PD or any other disease, natural organic remedies always work on acidity treatment. if we maintain a diet plan and use www. madibaherbalcenter. com, then we get fast relief from this problem.
Sending warmest regards and deep felt sympathy to Steve’s family.
He was such a fun person and such a kind, caring one.
Cheryl Gay Gatti