J. Roger Shull, a Stratford resident since 1955, passed a away at home with his devoted wife Barbara by his side. Roger was born September 30, 1929 in Bridgeport, CT. He was the only child of Joseph Henry and Lillian Shepard Shull. While attending Warren Harding High School, he was the editor of the school newspaper and inducted into the National Honor Society. As a teen, he was also was a student at the Julliard School of Music. He became accomplished in playing and arranging music for the clarinet, sax, and piano. At 16, Roger led a band that competed in Look Magazine's " National Swing Band Contest'. Winning critical acclaim and a trophy, his group became known a 'Roddy Shull and his Swing Timers. The Band that Rocked Carnegie Hall'. Roger continued his passion for music at Duke University, performing with the Duke Ambassadors, Symphony Orchestra, Marching and Concert Bands. He graduated magna cum laude from Duke School of Law. As an attorney and musician, he humbly used his abilities to serve his community and church. Included in his legacy of committing his time and talents was Sterling House, the Y.M.C.A., Stratford Community Band and various town committees. For 58 years he was a faithful and deeply involved member of the Stratford United Methodist Church . Roger was the president of the Stratford Junior Chamber of Commerce. This organization honored him with the Stratford Jaycees ' Distinguished Service Award', for his visionary goal of obtaining a swimming pool for Stratford residents. As an active Democrat, Town Council members voted to elevate him from Assistant to Town Attorney in 1976. Roger unselfishly gave legal counsel for ten years to the Stratford Visiting Nurse Association. He was Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Homes. He was a descendant of original settlers of Stratford, Milford and Fairfield, all celebrating their 375th anniversary this year. He was also related to Revolutionary and Civil War patriots in CT and NJ. Roger enjoyed spending his leisure time with the Stratford Y.M.C.A. Tennis League, his cats, and reading satire and about history, He also loved playing bridge, going to the beach and on cruises with Barbara.
In addition to his beloved wife of 62 years, he leaves behind to honor his memory, his children Linda, Douglas (Elizabeth), Jennifer (John Piccirillo), and Diana. Roger was especially proud of his grandchildren Cora, Renee, Rodger, Stephanie, Ryan and Glenn. He was pre-deceased by his son David, and parents. He will be remembered by many for his uncompromising ethics and unwavering belief in truth and justice.
A service will be held, Thursday, August 28th 2014, 11:00 at the Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main St., Stratford, CT. Following the service, internment will follow in the Union Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in his name to the Stratford United Methodist Church.