Celebrating the Life of Roger Hall

Roger Hall was born on June 8, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Mary F. Hall. He attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from East Technical High School in the Class of 1964.

Roger joined the United States Navy after high school and faithfully served his country for nearly twenty-five years, retiring in July 1988 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. As a cryptologist, he operated and maintained sophisticated and highly classified electronic systems deployed across land, air, sea, and submarine platforms. During his distinguished career, Roger served as Command Master Chief, Department Head, and Officer-in-Charge at multiple duty stations throughout the United States and abroad.

His assignments included Norfolk, Virginia; Adak, Alaska; Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico; San Vito, Italy; Fort Devens, Massachusetts; Pensacola, Florida; San Angelo, Texas; Groton, Connecticut; and aboard the USS Liberty (AGTR‑5). Early in his Navy career, Roger also sang with the world‑famous Navy-Blue Jackets Choir, traveling nationally and internationally.

Roger was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucy Mae Hall, with whom he had two children, Roger Jr. and Curtis Nathaniel. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Laurice Hall, and has two stepsons, Hank and Craig. Together, they have countless memories of cruises, monthlong road trips, family gatherings, and simply enjoying life. Over the decades, they have lived in Puerto Rico, Connecticut, and finally in Twinsburg, Ohio.

After retiring from the Navy, Roger continued his public service through an eighteen‑year career with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Cleveland, where he worked as a test analyst and later as a systems security team leader supporting Navy Military Pay Systems.

Roger pursued lifelong learning, earning an Associate of Science degree in Electronics, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Secondary Education, and a Master of Education degree in Counseling. He also held certifications in education, counseling, and electronics.

Roger’s interests reflected his creativity and curiosity. He acted in stage productions, directed theater, worked in set design and construction, and managed sound and special effects. He was skilled as an electronics technician, carpenter, plumber, and computer enthusiast who enjoyed building computers and teaching others.

Roger served faithfully in church leadership as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bible study leader, and Christian Education instructor. His faith journey included service at Open Door Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, New Life Baptist Church, and Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village.

Beyond the church, Roger supported the UNCF, the East Tech Class of 1964 Association, and scholarship efforts for future generations. He held numerous leadership positions and served as the association’s webmaster.

Roger found peace on the water as an avid boater and fisherman. He was deeply involved with the Cleveland Power Squadron and America’s Boating Club, serving in numerous leadership roles, including Commander.

Roger leaves behind his beloved wife, Laurice; sons Roger Jr., Curtis Nathaniel, Henry III (Sharon), and Craig Lavelle (Danielle); grandchildren Henry IV (Briana), Curtis Jr., Craig Jr., Nia Savón, Jalen, Elijah Christian, Eliana, Elissa, and Ackaria; and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.