Age 64, unexpectedly and peacefully on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, of Peters Township.
Beloved husband of 35 years to Donna M. (Pacey) Graf; proud father of Joshua E. (Jessica) Graf; son of the late Edward F. and Sara C. Graf of Whitehall; son-in-law of the late Edward C. and Ethel M. Pacey; cherished brother of Sharon (Craig) Snyder and Gary (Laura) Graf; brother-in-law of Tim (Mary) Pacey; will be missed by his dear niece Elanor (Eric) Berdes. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers and many friends.
Roger was the founder and President of Alarmax Distributors, Inc for 32 years. He grew the company from a single location and a handful of employees to 26 locations and over 100 employees nationwide. This growth was a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence and integrity. Roger was committed to his employees who he regarded as an extended family.
Outside of the office, he loved sport cars, elegant watches, fancy pens, and a very cold-dirty martini. He enjoyed spending time dining out and golfing with friends, going to jazz concerts, attending Pens games, taking guests for a ride on the pontoon boat at his second home in Deep Creek, and ending the day savoring a fine cigar.
Roger was also a man of faith, attending First Lutheran Church for over 40 years. His faith was a source of strength and solace throughout his life. It was an integral part of his identity, making him an example of love and compassion to all who knew him.
He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father, and a generous friend.
Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Thursday and Friday, September 21 and 22, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Everyone please meet at church. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Pennies from Heaven (penniesfromheavenpittsburgh.org) or Foundation Fighting Blindness(FightingBlindness.org)
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09/25/2023
Nick markowitz Jr.
My Condolences To the Graf Family. I have been a Customer of Rodgers since when he worked at Triangle Electronics and envisioned Alarmax . We did not always see eye to eye things but he always did the right thing by the customer and his staff is outstanding getting me hard to find supplies. He will be greatly missed always enjoyed talking to him when he visited the local branch in Pittsburgh
09/25/2023
Joe Cioletti
My deepest sympathies to both Rogers family and friends. I've known Roger most of my life, since grade school, and was surprised to see one of my earliest memories of him in a framed article of his participation in an 8th grade science project while at St. Gabriel School. He was a great mix of technical, business, social and leadership skills that lead him to great life successes. I will always be thankful for seeing him at our 45th high school reunion. A great man who left a great legacy – much too soon. "Ho I hsiw I dah emos yenom!" (Oh, I wish I had some money – backwards – a humorous memory of one of Roger's old sayings!) God bless you Roger and may you rest in peace till we meet again!!!
09/25/2023
Joe Cioletti
My deepest sympathies to both Rogers family and friends. I've known Roger most of my life, since grade school, and was surprised to see one of my earliest memories of him in a framed article of his participation in an 8th grade science project while at St. Gabriel School. He was a great mix of technical, business, social and leadership skills that lead him to great life successes. I will always be thankful for seeing him at our 45th high school reunion. A great man who left a great legacy – much too soon. "Ho I hsiw I dah emos yemon!" (Oh, I wish I had some money – backwards – a humorous memory of one of Roger's old sayings!) God bless you Roger and may you rest in peace till we meet again!!!
09/24/2023
Julie Rossbach Metzger
Donna, All the Rossbach children were shocked and saddened to hear of Roger's passing. He will always be remembered as our grandparents' neighbor, our uncle's best friend, and such a very nice guy. He will be sorely missed. --Julie, Sarah, Donna, and Alex Rossbach
09/22/2023
Jonathan Summers
My deepest condolences to Donna, Josh, the Graf and the Alarmax families. When I think of Roger, one word - Gentleman. Roger helped me expand our business from the UK into the USA market and I will be forever grateful to him for his wise counsel, his friendship and of course with Roger - fine dinners, wine and cigars. I am sorry that I am unable to travel from the UK and be with you for Roger's service on Saturday. Jonathan Summers (Controlsoft, United Kingdom)
09/22/2023
Luke Lee
My deepest condolences to the Graf family. He was a good mentor and a great friend. He will be deeply missed. You will be in our prayers. Rest in peace, my friend. Luke Lee
09/21/2023
Andy Lovsted
This loss is profoundly saddening both on a personal and professional level. I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt blessings to the Graf and AlarMax families. - Andy Lovsted
09/20/2023
Robyn Waldorf
On behalf of TP-Link USA, please accept our deepest condolences to the Graf family and everyone at Alarmax. Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. Robyn Waldorf
09/20/2023
Carmella Paiani
So sorry for your loss. Will be greatly missed. Have known him since High School.
09/20/2023
Nate Natale
Roger was not only a good friend but also a genuinely kind and wonderful person. Donna and I are struggling to comprehend the shock of his sudden departure. Our thoughts are with D1, as he affectionately referred to his Donna. Our deepest love and condolences go out to her, his family, and friends. It pains us to be out of the country and unable to attend his service. Roger was undeniably a remarkable and truly good man. Nate and Donna Natale
09/19/2023
Roger Schaffert
Roger (or as he would always say, the other Roger)is a part of where I'm where I am at today as a manager, salesman, and a father. He would always take my calls (lasted 1-2 hours) and always gave me advice/knowledge of issues related to everything. I have learned so much from this amazing man over the years and am eternally grateful for knowing him and being an employee /friend. I am going to miss the unexpected excited phone calls at 7-8pm about new deals/products we have available to us. He knew I loved the new technologies and always shared his dealings no matter what time of the day, he knew I would answer. He is a true mentor and father like figure to me. I will truly miss him and make sure I continue to perform in his company to fulfill his legacy. One of my last memories of him was him visiting my office 2 weeks ago and saying my office is similar to his except he doesn't have pictures of 3 beautiful little girls on his wall. (My daughters pictures). He always asked about my family and even made a point to stop his trip, pulling over to the side of the road to call and wish my girls good luck at the county fair this month. Again, I am eternally grateful to have known, learned from, and dealt with Roger. I express my deepest condolences to Donna and Josh(he always updated and sent me photos of your tours/work) He was so proud of you both. God bless you! Roger Schaffert Alarmax Cleveland
09/19/2023
stephen tabone
Donna & Josh, We extend our sympathy to your Family. I admired Roger's business success, but I respected the man for his integrity & generosity. The many communities he spent time with will miss his good humor & jokes. Stephen
09/18/2023
Brad G.
My sincere condolences on Roger's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Former employee at Alarmax, Brad
09/18/2023
Bill Hilliard
I met Roger in 7th grade when he was assigned to be my lab partner in chemistry class. Our experiments didn't always go so well but I ended up with a lifetime friend. I moved away from the Pittsburgh area many years ago but always kept in touch with Roger. In recent years we would get together for a Steelers game or just to relax at his place in Deep Creek. One thing I noticed about Roger was that where ever we went, he always got the VIP treatment. It was the same whether it was some little hole in the wall or a fancy restaurant. After a while I realized that the the VIP treatment was because of the way he treated others. The waiter wasn't just a waiter, but a real person that he took the time to get to know. I can only imagine that he is in heaven right now at the best table and getting the VIP treatment.
09/18/2023
Gary Kirstein
Donna, What a pleasure it was to get to know Roger. His kindness, generosity, and intelligence will never be forgotten. There certainly is a void now in all of our lives. Gary Kirstein
09/18/2023
Nicole Marshall
My deepest condolences to Rogers family and friends! Roger was a customer ( Cioppino ) of mine and soon became a friend. He had a heart of gold who touched anyone who knew him. When he asked how my health was I knew it was genuine and knew he was praying for me as he told me! He will be deeply missed by many!! The good lord has gained an Amazing man!! Till we meet again my friend🙏😇 Nicole Marshall
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