ROGER ALAN FRIESE passed away on March 2, 2024, at NCH Baker Hospital in Naples, FL,
following a short illness, with family and friends nearby.
Roger was born October 25, 1948, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois, one of six children of the late Robert E.
Friese and the late Josephine Sylvia Friese. Shortly after graduating high school Roger joined
Walgreens Drug Company in Columbus, Georgia where he soon rose to the position of manager.
Roger’s career with Walgreens spanned four decades during which he moved to Florida where he
managed Walgreens stores in Gainesville, Port Orange, Daytona Beach, Naples, and other
locations, before leaving the Company and moving into Real Estate sales in and around Naples,
Florida, his chosen vocation until his death. Roger was a veteran of the Alabama National Guard
from which he was discharged honorably.
Roger exemplified the adage on one of his caps: “if I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke”. He could as easily
build a custom fishing rod for a friend, as maintain his corvette, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, a
computer or lawnmower, or his neighbor’s boat or clogged plumbing. He gave of his time freely
to work for the Neighborhood Association, or just lend a hand to help a friend or neighbor install
crown molding or hang new cabinets, asking little in return. His word was his bond, and Roger
never met a stranger. Roger adored first and foremost his wife and companion, Shelley. He
delighted in showcasing his talking parrot “Scooter”, and was greeted by all manner of squirrels,
ducks, birds (yes, even a woodpecker) that fed regularly from the palm of his hand as he leaned
leisurely on his truck in the driveway of his home at eventide. He loved a practical joke and could
take one too. Simply put, Roger loved and lived a good and honest life while serving others along
the way. He is already missed.
Roger is survived by his wife of 32 years, Shelley Anita Larrimore Friese, brothers Roch Filipiak
(Elaine), and Jim Friese (Dottie); and sisters Pat Shaw (Mike), and Gloria Call (James).
Gary Wruck
March 6, 2024, 1:25 pm
Roger was a good friend of mine. He helped me buy two houses in Plantation. We sent many times at the gun range in Punta Gorda and got long range qualified together. I spoke to him almost weekly and will miss him greatly.
Gary
Dennis Taylor
March 7, 2024, 2:38 pm
Roger was a good friend..I will miss him very much
Jeanette Larrimore
March 26, 2024, 7:41 pm
My heartfelt condolences to Roger’s family and friends. I just learned today that he had passed away. He was my brother-in-law and my heart goes out to my sister-in-law, Shelley. He had a great sense of humor and we had some fun family times together.
Charles Hesser
April 1, 2024, 2:52 am
I tried to get in touch with Roger today to wish him and Shelly a happy Easter.
Needless to say he didn’t answer his phone. After investigating why, I found out he had died. Words can not explain how I feel and how much I will miss him. We worked together at Walgreens and formed a life lasting bond. We went to the range together, fishing together, and went on vacations together with my wife Pat and Shelly. He was one of my best friends and a great person. My wife and I will always have Roger in our hearts.
Matt Hudson
April 1, 2024, 5:46 pm
I learned from Charles that Roger had passed away. I am so saddened to hear he has passed. We worked at walgreens together and Shelley worked for me for a while at Walgreens. When we left Walgreens we went to real estate school together and started our second careers together at the same firm. Roger was a good a decent person whom I was fortunate to know. He helped me out in one of the lowest points in my life and I shall forever be grateful. Rest in peace my friend.
Tony Frisa
April 1, 2024, 7:12 pm
So sad to hear of Roger’s passing. Roger was truly one of the most genuine, honest, caring people I have known. We shared time together working at Walgreens where he was truly a mentor before transitioning to a good friend. I will miss his wit, humor, and tremendous heart. I hate that the miles between us since I left Naples kept us from seeing more of each other, and my heart goes out to Shelly. Rest comfortably my friend, until we meet again, you will be missed.
LINDA C BLAZEK
April 2, 2024, 6:55 pm
I worked with Roger at Walgreens and knew him as a real and great person. I left Florida years ago, but still hearing about his passing today made my heart sad and brought back fond memories.
Teri Cusumano
April 20, 2024, 11:50 pm
OMG I am having a hard time with this Roger is My Sons GodFather and Shelly God Mother…I don’t know what to say..We have been out of touch but not that I ever thought about Them Both how I found out because went to reach out and I Am Devastated He was an Amazing and Awesome Man, He hired me in 1981 in Daytona Our Lives go Way Back!! Told me I was like his daughter and I Miss Shelly so much…Godparents to my Son everyone is hurting…Please go with GOD and Fly My Best Friend and Mentor!!!