Obituary of Roger W. Cresswell Jr.

Roger William Cresswell, Jr., 90, passed peacefully to heaven on March 16, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, surrounded by his family.  Roger, known to many as Mannie, was born on August 12, 1933, in Utica, NY, to Roger William and Margaret Julia (Rieben) Cresswell, Sr.

Roger, a proud Clintonian, lived there his entire life.  During his high school years, he enjoyed participating in numerous clubs and playing football and hockey while making lifelong friendships.  Following his 1951 graduation, Roger enrolled as an education major at the former Champlain College in Plattsburgh and played for its football and hockey teams.

College was interrupted when Roger was drafted in 1953.  He and his childhood buddy Dick Owens headed to Fort Devens, MA, for boot camp. They were to be deployed together upon completion, but Roger came down with a severe case of tonsillitis, and the two were separated.  Roger was stationed with the Army Medical Corps at the 141st General Hospital in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan, and honorably served for two years as an EENT.  On one occasion, he photographed and shook hands with honeymooners Mr. and Mrs. Joe (Marilyn Monroe) DiMaggio as the couple toured the army hospital.  During any spare time Roger had there, he enjoyed teaching hockey skills to teenagers living near the base, using brooms and balls for sticks and pucks.  Upon his return to Clinton, Roger enrolled at Oswego State Teachers College to study industrial arts.

By 1956, Roger had noticed that a girl in town had grown up while he had been away, and they fell in love.  On August 24, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church, where Roger would later become a communicant, he married his beloved Barbara Ann Williams, a loving union that lasted 65 years until her passing on March 14, 2023.   Throughout 1959, after long days at his job and on weekends, Roger toiled until dark to build the house that became his home for the rest of his life.  It was there, he and Barbara raised their daughters and enjoyed their family and friends.

Roger, a skilled carpenter, worked for Bob Langdon, Bob Herthum, Ted Blake, and the Wilkinson Brothers between the years 1957 and 1972.  In December of 1972, he became the Superintendent of Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation for the Clinton Central School District. He held that position for 22 years until his retirement in 1994.  In addition, Roger and his close friend Bill Creaser accomplished countless moonlighting carpentry projects over several decades.  They were a talented and productive team.   Roger was honored to be included with the inaugural group of inductees to the CCS District's “Hall of Distinction” in 2005.  In his younger adult years, Roger was a member of the Clinton Fire Department, a defenseman on the Clinton Stars team of the Clinton Hockey Club, and a Clinton Youth Hockey Pee Wee coach. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, Helmuth-Ingalls Post 232.

Roger had many interests and enjoyed many activities.  He and Barbara enthusiastically attended their grandchildren’s sporting events and relished the fierce competition of Crazy 8 card games. Roger also enjoyed puttering and creating beautiful things.  He took pleasure in leisurely drives on the back roads of Oneida and Madison counties while enjoying the wildlife he saw and marveling at the beauty of nature.  Fishing, jigsaw and word puzzles, and Louis L’Amour and William Johnstone western novels gave Roger some pleasant quiet time.  He also looked forward to NASCAR races on Sunday afternoons.

Roger is survived by his loving family: daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Matthew DeCotis and Bonnie and Rich Maxam; grandchildren, Amy DeCotis, who is also his goddaughter; Richie Maxam and Kelly Mason, Roger Maxam, and Jenny and Alex Steinhilber; great-granddaughter, Julia Madden and her father, Colin; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including his lifelong dear friends, Warren Evans and Ray Morgan.

In addition to his cherished wife, Barbara, Roger was predeceased by his firstborn newborn daughter, Deborah Ann Cresswell; sister, Barbara Anne Markey; brother, Charles Stephen Cresswell; grandson, Daniel DeCotis; and many other loved family and friends.

Roger was a man of integrity.  He was determined, extremely hardworking, and an excellent provider for his family.  Roger was known for being creative, organized, and always having a plan.  He taught his family well, and they are thankful for the values he instilled in them.  Roger will be remembered with much love and respect.

Friends and family may call on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Services, 35 College St., Clinton, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church,  Marvin St., Clinton.  Interment will be later in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clinton.  Please consider contributions in Roger’s memory to the Clinton Fire Department, c/o Jim Jenkins, Treasurer, PO Box 134, Clinton, NY  13323; or St. Mary's Church, 13 Marvin St., Clinton, NY  13323; or the Clinton Central School District Foundation, 75 Chenango Ave., Clinton, NY  13323.

Many dedicated and kind family, friends, and home caretakers, Wendy, Debbie, Holly, and Mary Ann, assisted Roger in many ways with gentle care, pleasant conversation, and enjoyable car rides.  A special thank you to Dr. Muhammad Ali for his kindness and compassion, and to the wonderful nurses at Wynn Hospital.  Roger's family is truly grateful; may God bless each one of you.