Roger Abel

Roger H. Abel, 63, of Yucaipa, CA, passed away on May 28, 2011 at his home. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Roger was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and was an Army veteran and a retired teacher from the Fontana Unified School District. Teaching and sports were his passion, and he served as a baseball umpire and football referee for Inland Empire high school and youth leagues for over 20 years. When he wasn t doting on his four grandchildren, you d find Grandpa Rog fishing on his boat at Big Bear Lake, always looking for the big one, and always with a story about the one that got away. Even though he was a large man with an intimidating presence, people were drawn to his gentle nature and the kindness of his heart, always the first to offer others reassurance in their time of need or accolades for a job well done. Roger is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Abel of Yucaipa; children Chris Abel (wife, Lorena, and children Ariana and Olivia), of La Habra Heights, CA, and Tim Abel (wife, Jesica, and children Christian and Kade), of Yucaipa. Funeral services will be held on June 8th at the Riverside National Cemetery at 11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Roger Abel Scholarship Fund, to benefit students at Yucaipa High School. Donations can be sent to 12495 Mira Mesa Drive, Yucaipa, CA 92399.