Roger Minionis passed away on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005 after suffering a massive stroke on Feb. 6. He was a resident of Roslyn for 40 years and a teacher at Great Neck South High School. He also tutored many students throughout Long Island over the years. In his last week many family members, friends, colleagues, and students traveled to his bedside from as far as Venezuela, France, Australia, and Israel not to mourn, but to celebrate his life. They shared stories of how he made so many lives more meaningful through his insightful wisdom and heartfelt gestures.

Roger Minionis lived for his family. When he was done with a day of teaching, he came home to spend time with his family. Summers were spent vacationing together. He truly loved his wife, Carolyn, and was proud of her music and treasured their time together. His children, Ron, David, Sandra, and Laura, respected and adored him. He followed the motto to "Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left for him to steal." Roger dared to dream and was excited by a new challenge. Even while suffering the debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease, not once did he complain. Everyone who came in contact with Roger was the better for having known him. He touched many lives with his humor, tenderness and compassion.

Roger Minionis was born in Cairo, Egypt on July 26, 1926 and he was instilled with a Greek heritage and a Jewish upbringing. He was the second youngest of five to his parents Victor and Celine and was a vibrant and bright child; a student of math and science. He was also very athletic and active in social groups. Roger was captain of a Middle Eastern national basketball team and even was asked to represent Egypt in the Olympics. He attended the American University of Cairo where he was given the title Mr. A.U.C., as the most respected student and athlete.

Roger left Egypt in 1956 and went to live in Paris, France. After 18 months teaching at the America University of Paris, he made his way to the United States, and to the University of North Carolina on a National Science Foundation fellowship to attain his master's in teaching. It was there that Roger and Carolyn met in a graduate physics class. They were married on October 18, 1959 and shared 45 years of marriage together and four children.

Both taught on Long Island. They moved to Great Neck and then to Roslyn where they built a life together. When Roger became a teacher, he originally thought he would do it for a couple of years and then move on to something else. As he found teaching, teaching found him. Roger taught for 35 years at Great Neck South High School. He was chairman of the math department and he coached the tennis and math teams. Like all great teachers, Roger taught his children and students how to think and experience life. He made learning fun and exciting. Everyone adored him. In the classroom and out, Roger Minionis touched people, brought humor into their lives and imparted wisdom.

His extended family, his sisters Ginette and Loris, and their children cherished him and considered him their father figure.

At 78-years-old, Roger Minionis left his wife, four children, eight grandchildren and many family and friends who throughout their lives, will continue to celebrate his. The family has asked that those wishing to make a donation in the memory of Roger Minionis, may do so to: The Palliative Care Institute, c/o Dr. James D'Olimpio, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030. This is a new program at the hospital, designed to give families access to both medical and spiritual advice in making difficult decisions regarding their loved ones.