February 27, 1936 - September 23, 2023
Cincinnati, Ohio | Age 87
Roger Joseph Holbrook, 87, died on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at his home in Kenwood (Cincinnati). He was born on February 27, 1936 in Haverhill, Ohio to Mary Elizabeth (Wheeler) Holbrook and Joseph Holbrook. Roger served in the United States Army for 20 years in the Special Forces (Green Berets) as a HALO parachutist and an advisor to the Special Forces Operations & Intelligence (MOS) unit. During his time in the military, he served four tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
MSG Holbrook received his honorable discharge from the Army in 1976 and had a second career with the Defense Investigative Service, United States Department of Defense, as a Special Agent in the Columbus, Ohio Field Office. He was a founding member and inaugural class inductee in the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor in 2000 at the Ohio Statehouse, and served as an Emeritus Board Director. Roger was interviewed by the Veterans History Project of the United States Library of Congress in 2016. He was a devoted husband to Ann for 63 years, a great father, and a wonderful "pop" to his grandkids. He loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and was an outdoorsman and avid bow hunter. He will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, quick wit, and kind heart.
Roger was preceded in death by his mother Mary, father Joseph, sister Janice, and brother Charles (Chuck). He is survived by his loving wife Katherine Ann, his son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Amanda, beloved grandchildren Jane and Alexander, nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and numerous family members and dear friends. Visiting hours will be held for Roger at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, 11623 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, Ohio on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 11 AM to 1 PM. A service will take place at 1 PM, also at Harrison-Pyles. A burial service will follow immediately thereafter at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church Cemetery, 2167 Lick Run-Lyra Rd., Wheelersburg, Ohio. Donations to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/) or to St. Peter Church (https://www.sciotocatholic.org/parishgiving) can be made in lieu of flowers.