Roger Boss, III

Walter Roger Boss III 73, of Barnegat , passed away suddenly on December 24, 2021. He was born in 1948 to the late Barbara and Walter Boss Jr of Union, NJ.   A graduate of Union High School, he attended college for a few semesters, in Wisconsin.  During college, he met and fell in love with Cathy Baran and were soon married on September 4, 1971.  Roger was a paint chemist first for International Paint in Union, NJ and  then Con-Lux Coatings (now Sherwin Williams) in Edison, NJ.  He worked at Con-Lux until the plant closed in 2001.  In November 2001, he began working at the Atlantic City Airport as one of the first screening agents that began working for the TSA.   

In December 1974, Roger and Cathy moved to Barnegat where they raised their 3 daughters (Keydi, Corinne, and Kristen).  As a young couple, they followed friends to this developing town to a house they could raise a family in. This began Roger’s 25 year+ daily commute on the Garden State Parkway to provide an amazing life for his family. His friends in early years may remember him from his CB Radio handle “Evergreen”.

In the early 1980s , Roger joined the Barnegat Fire Company as a volunteer fireman.  He served the Barnegat Fire Company as a driver and officer in many positions.  Many may not know that Roger was the man behind all the Santa routes that Barnegat does during December. Roger was known as the Chief Elf and greatly enjoyed it.   He would constantly travel the roads of Barnegat trying to ensure Santa was brought to as many families and children as possible.  Seeing all the smiling faces waiting for Santa brought joy to Roger’s heart.  

Every Summer for the last 28 years, Roger volunteered for St. Mary’s Nights of Summer Carnival.  In the beginning, Roger helped run the dunking booth with Cathy as well as the girls.  Eventually, Roger switched over to volunteer with parking and security. He was a nightly fixture in his red shirt, watching out for everyone and maybe grabbing some funnel cake or clams on the ½ shell.   Until recent years, he represented the Barnegat Fire Company in filling the dunking booth.  Many happy memories were made with his family filling the dunking booth with the fire truck as well as working the carnival. 

When each girl was in high school, Roger volunteered as a marching band “Band-Aid” in its preparation and travels for football games and competitions.   He made many friends and enjoyed hanging out with the girls and their friends and loved to keep up with all of the band kids even now.

Roger and Cathy planned yearly summer vacations with the girls driving thousands of miles up and down the East Coast.   Family trips to Mt. Washington, Busch Gardens, Disney, Upstate NY, and multiple ski trips. After the girls had grown up, family trips/cruises were to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, Hershey, NY, and most recently the Bahamas were cherished memories.  One highlight for him was a 2-week trip to Ireland with Cathy and a church group.

Since 2011, Roger has been known by his favorite name – Grandpa. He cherished every minute with his grandkids, always supporting Elizabeth and Aaron. He loved cheering them on in soccer, baseball, flag football, Pinewood Derby and more. Roger enjoyed many trips to the Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark with his beloved grandkids.

Besides spending time with family, friends and the fire department, Roger enjoyed fishing and the spending time in the pool.  Roger was his happiest when on the ocean with a fishing rod in his hand. He spent many days fishing with his son-in-law, attempting to catch dinner.  He loved watching his grandkids learn to fish as he had taught his daughters.  Any hot summer day, you could always catch Roger cooling off in the pool.

Roger is predeceased by his wife, Cathy Boss of 47 years. He is survived by his daughters, Keydi O'Hagan and her husband Gearóid of Elmwood Park, NJ; Corinne Topoleski and her husband, Tom of Barnegat, NJ; and Kristen Kerly of Barnegat, NJ; his brother, Robert and his wife Laurie of Union, NJ; his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Aaron Topoleski of Barnegat; his beloved nieces and nephews; and several cousins throughout the East Coast. Roger was predeceased by his parents Barbara and Walter Boss Jr of Union, NJ.  

Friends and family can pay their respects on Thursday, Dec. 30,2021 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 West Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. On Friday, Dec. 31 there will be a short viewing at 9:30 at Barnegat Funeral Home followed by a Mass at St. Mary's Church in Barnegat at 11am, Followed by a Fireman’s funeral procession to his interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Manahawkin.

Those who wish may donate in Roger’s name to the Barnegat Fire Company to help with the continuation of the Santa Runs.

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