Roger H. Gennari

Roger Gennari of Oceanside, New York, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026 at the age of 82. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Maureen (née Kuroly), his sons, Christopher (Elizabeth), Peter, and Adam (Erin), and his cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Grayson, and Joseph, whom he adored.

Roger was born on May 17, 1943 to Floro and Viola Gennari in Brooklyn, New York.  He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and went on to earn degrees in science and education from St. John's University and Wagner College.

His lifelong love for the sea, fishing, and sailing inspired a focus on marine biology throughout his distinguished career as an educator. Roger taught biology at Freeport High School for over 25 years and served as the Chairman of the Science Department while also teaching at Nassau Community College. He cared for many forms of marine life, from tiny frogs to the largest goldfish you've ever seen. Upon retiring from Freeport, he went on to teach chemistry at Chaminade High School for an additional 12 years. After retiring a second time, he embraced another adventure as a professor at Molloy College and St John's University. He retired for a third time in 2023 as the Nassau Community College science department's longest tenured Adjunct Professor.

In addition to his commitment to education, Roger had a generous spirit and a deep sense of care for others. Together with his wife, he became a caregiver to Gregory, Andrew, Abby, Massimo, Stella, Linden, and Thera, extending his compassion well beyond the classroom.

Some of Roger's fondest memories were made on annual family vacations to Walt Disney World, trips that kept him young at heart. Whether he was walking through the resorts, going on rides, or eating at the many themed restaurants across the parks, he was rarely happier than when he was soaking in the atmosphere of the happiest place on earth.

Roger Gennari was Son to Floro and Viola. Husband to Maureen. Father to Christopher, Peter, and Adam. Father-in-law to Elizabeth and Erin. Pa to Olivia, Grayson, and Joseph. And special friend to Greg, Andy, Abby, Massimo, Stella, Thera, and Linden.

He will be remembered and loved by all of them.