Name: Harry and Sandie J.
Lived In: New York; Massachusetts; Florida; Connecticut
Birth Year: 1934
Great Grandparents. Six Decade Sweethearts. Birthday Buddies.

Most Likely to Stay the Course

Harry and Sandie were born four days apart and both recently celebrated their 90th birthdays. They rang in the start of a new decade of life alongside their three children, eight grandchildren, and 11 of 13 great grandchildren. Surrounded by loved ones, the event symbolized one of their most strongly held shared principles — don’t give up, and beautiful things are possible.

Born into a musical family, he asked for his first instrument at 5 years old and it’s been a driving force in his life ever since. He’s had a few other stops along the way. He attended Northeastern College during World War II, attended a Yale training program, and became a Commanding Officer. He then moved to Washington, DC to study radio engineering, after which he spent 40 years with Rathon.

He met and married Mary-Sue, his wife of 75 years, and the woman responsible for all of Roger’s happiest memories. They shared a love of music—Mary-Sue was a talented singer—and together raised their three girls surrounded by chords and melodies.

From barbershop to big band to classical to contemporary, the soundtrack to Roger’s life has been a magnum opus.

“I’m so blessed for the life I have been given and for my big family,” said Roger. “I’m grateful for all the music and for every moment.”