Roger J. Stella, Sr.

Roger J. Stella, Sr., patriarch of his family, passed away on January 10, 2021, in Warner Robins after a brief illness.

Born in Ironwood, Michigan, Roger’s northern roots, and accent, never left him. He was a family man to the core and never missed a grandchild’s activity, of which there were many. An avid sports fan, he could be found wearing either a Green Bay Packers or New York Yankees shirt when he attended his grandchildren’s many events. Whether it was bowling, baseball, softball, soccer or theater, Roger could be found in the cheering section, supporting those he held dear.

Out of high school, Roger joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service to the Marines, Roger joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the military, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and served in support of Desert Shield and Storm. He and his family moved to Warner Robins in 1981 and made this area his home. He retired from Robins Air Force Base as a financial manager after 26 years of service to his country.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Italo Joseph Stella and Mary Minelli Stella as well as his brother, Evarest Stella.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Carrie Stella; daughter, Angie Nicholson (Nick); sons, Roger J. “Roddy” Stella, Jr. (Stacy) and Joey Stella (Mandy); grandchildren, Cady Lewis (Scot), Cassie Martin (Scott), Cara Stasel (fiancé, Josh James), Sierra Stella (fiancé, Nick Poskey), Raegan Stella, Brooks Stella, Tyler Stella, Tanyon Stella, Talon Stella; great grandchildren, Brynlee Russell and Elijah Lewis; sisters, Gloria Stella, Tina Secor (Bob) and Terry Nowlin (Bill); brother, Johnny Stella (Sandy); and two more great grandchildren are expected this year. There are also many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Roger’s memory to the donor’s favorite charity.

A private, family-only memorial service will take place at Magnolia Park Cemetery.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.