Roger S. Loeb, 85, of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully after a short illness on November 12, 2024 at UConn John Dempsey Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on February 7, 1939 as the son of Jean (Mayer) Loeb Goodman and Robert S. Loeb and stepson of Allan S. Goodman. Roger grew up in Larchmont, NY and attended Mamaroneck High School where he met his wife and high school sweetheart Jane (Beline) whom he was married to for almost 63 years.

He graduated in 1961 from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School where he was an active member and treasurer of Phi Sigma Delta fraternity. During his freshman year he moved to West Hartford, CT and has enjoyed living there ever since. After graduation, he went into the Army National Guard. Then he joined his stepfather in the family business, Allan S. Goodman, Inc., a CT wine and spirits wholesaler. He became the President and CEO very early in his career. In 1975, the company created a separate beer division named Rogo Distributors. He worked at the company for 60 years and continued as the Chairman after retirement. Roger was both a friend and trusted business partner of his many employees, customers and suppliers.

Roger had been a competitive swimmer, member of the track team, and tennis player in his youth, later gravitating to his love of golf and his bi-weekly trips to the gym. He also demonstrated a deep-rooted love of theater, reading, music, and traveling around the world with his wife Jane. He was an extremely caring person and gave back enthusiastically to the community, serving on the Board and as Life Director of Hartford Stage, Board Member at the Bushnell, member of the Society of Daniel Wadsworth Atheneum, Board Member at Congregation Beth Israel, Director at the Jewish Federation, President and Treasurer of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Club of Hartford, Board of Directors at the Hartford Club, and Corporator at Hartford Hospital. He was also active in the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and his cherished “Forum #4”. In 1984, Time Magazine presented him with their Distinguished Beverage Alcohol Wholesaler Award.

Roger will always be remembered for smiling, laughing and telling jokes as well as always having a positive outlook on life. His kindness, integrity and generosity of spirit knew no bounds. He proudly and often declared “Life is Good”! Outside of his work, he enjoyed many land and sea trips around the world with his wife and at times also with close friends or family. He also enjoyed spending time in The Berkshires, Florida and New York City as well as at Tumble Brook Country Club where he was a longstanding member. Some of his favorite times were long dinners with those whom he loved and a bottle of Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay!

Roger’s biggest priority was always his family. His beloved life-long wife Jane, his son Bruce Loeb and his wife Ann of New York City; his daughter Wendy Heller and her husband Dave Simsbury, CT; and his four grandchildren Lisa, Nicole and Will Heller and Jennifer Loeb were his pride. You could always see the sparkle in his eyes when boasting about them. In addition, Roger was also the brother to stepsisters Carol Masinter and Mary Goodman, sister Nancy Robbins, sister-in-law Cindy Beline, several cousins, and uncle to his nephew and nieces. He will be sorely missed by all!

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 18th at 11 am at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT followed by a graveside service at Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery, 27 Jackson St, Avon, CT. The family will be sitting shiva from 1-4 pm, at Congregation Beth Israel immediately after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s honor to Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford, CT 06103 or Congregation Beth Israel.