Roger Verdesi

Roger C. Verdesi, 79, a 40 year resident of Beacon, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at home. Born on March 28, 1932 in New York City, he was the son of the Rev. Gustavo and Sofia Fivaz Verdesi. Roger served in the US Army Signal Corps. On September 12, 1959 he married Barbara Howie at the Tremont Presbyterian Church in the Bronx, New York. Roger was a graduate of City College of New York, Guilmont Organ School, and the School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary. He taught music at the City College for 34 years and was organist and choirmaster at Kingsbridge Lutheran and at Fourth Presbyterian Churches in the Bronx. After moving to Beacon he gave piano lessons to a generation of children and adults in the Beacon area. He also took great pleasure in occasionally playing for services at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Tavern, where he served as an elder. Roger also composed music for the church-anthems and organ music-which was often based on Biblical texts. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, and two sons, Christopher of Ossining and Peter (Raquel Moller) of Beacon. His grandchildren, Nicole, Hannah, Liam, and Ryan, were the great joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother, the Rev. Ariel Verdesi and his sister, Claire Limmer. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Tavern, December 3, 2011, at 11:00 am. Donations in Roger’s memory may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or to the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon. To leave an online condolence please visit: www.libbyfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Libby Funeral Home, Inc. 55 Teller Ave. Beacon, NY 12508 Date Of Service Saturday December 3, 2011 at 11:00 am Location Of Service Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Tavern