Roger David Viele

"Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are."
- St. John Chrysostom.

Obituary

ROGER DAVID VIELE
July 2, 1950 – April 27, 2025

Roger David Viele, a man of remarkable depth, intellect, and quiet charm, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Hollywood, Florida. He was 74.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Roger remained forever proud of his Midwestern roots. His early years were marked by curiosity, mischief, and imagination - from the time he stuck his tongue to a frozen fence to the day he put on a Superman costume his mother made and dragged a fallen tree limb from the road to help a stranded driver.

When his family later moved to Florida, his sense of adventure followed. He joined the swim team at South Broward High, launched cherry bombs in the Young Circle bathrooms, and developed a love of boating, diving, biking, and top-down, backroad driving, simply for the thrill with no destination required.

A gifted horn player, Roger studied at The Juilliard School in Manhattan and went on tour with legendary artists, including Charo and Frank Sinatra. Music never left him, and neither did his enjoyment of everything from Country to Opera and every genre between.

Later, he brought his talents to the car business, where he quickly became a top-performing salesman and finance manager. Roger didn't just know cars — he lived and breathed them. He could talk about engine specs and paint finishes with the same passion he had for astronomy, electronics, and movies. If there was something to know, Roger had learned it and likely had a strong opinion backed by research, first-hand knowledge, and a Consumer Reports rating.

He was a man of wide-ranging interests: an audiophile, an avid reader, a connoisseur of craft beer and single malts, a sports fan with a soft spot for the Cleveland Browns and Indians, and a lover of gadgets and grilling. He could talk politics to anyone who'd listen. He chronicled his life based on every James Bond movie release. He loved a well-manicured lawn, a freshly waxed car, dog-eared books, and a perfectly grilled steak.

Roger also took great pride in his appearance, whether donning Italian suits with perfectly matched shirt, tie, and polished shoes or a T-shirt and Zoris. He had a standing haircut routine to keep that magnificent mane in check. He loved art museums, antique shows, and collecting anything with character, craftsmanship, and a history: Zippo lighters, comic books, Playboy magazines, record albums, knives, and art.

More than anything, Roger was a mentor, a friend, and someone whose relationships spanned decades and distance. He'd send a quick text with birthday or holiday wishes or trade messages during exciting moments while watching sports on TV. Phone calls often turned into hours-long conversations when he was checking in, always ending in reliving old stories he loved to tell again and again.

He shared nearly half his life, almost 34 years, with his partner and closest companion, Arianne Glassman. Their life together was one of deep connections, shared road trips, puppy parenting, business dealings, and genuine care. It was not without ups and downs, but it was honest, grounded, and real. They made memories across the country, from Christmases in New York to Fall trips to the Carolinas, wine country drives and roadtrips from Florida to Tennessee and Ohio, and Canadian expeditions on both coasts.  

Roger bestowed his words of wisdom and Type A tendencies on almost everyone, and they were done in the most caring way with Ari. He'd doodle her drawings of vacation countdowns, how to have the groomer cut their dog's hair, and even precise directions to bring to the dealership on how to have her tires rotated. He left her cards just because and made sure she knew how proud he was of his WW every step of the way.

Pre- and post-retirement, Roger was also a landlord, but more than that, he was family to his tenants, some of whom lived in his properties for over 20 years. He took pride in the homes he maintained and aimed to create a safe, cared-for, and dignified space. He watched their children grow up and flourish and exchanged gifts every holiday. He also quietly gave generously to causes close to his heart, including the Wounded Warrior Project, the Gary Sinise Foundation, St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Heritage Foundation, the Cleveland Animal Protective League, Salvation Army, The Pantry of Broward, the Hollywood Lakes Civic Association, among many others – a testament to the self-proclaimed introvert leaving a quiet mark.

Roger is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Melvin and Helen Viele, and his younger brother, George Viele, who shaped his life and values in lasting ways. He is also reunited with his schnauzers: Suzy, Chippy, Spanky, Webster, Max, and Baxter, each one a companion and a chapter in his story.

He is survived by his devoted life partner of 34 years, Arianne Glassman; his niece, Jourdan Viele, of whom he was endlessly proud and lovingly teased for her ever-growing list of destinations and rack up of frequent flyer miles; his sister-in-law, Sandy Viele, whose cooking he adored and whose care for his brother George meant the world to him; and Ari's parents, Joel and Ellaine Glassman, who loved him as a son-in-law. He also leaves behind a wide circle of lifelong friends — a testament to the loyalty, humor, and connection he brought to every relationship.

If you knew Roger, you knew a story was never just a story - it was a moment, a memory, and a little bit of magic.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 8.
All who knew and loved Roger are welcome to raise a glass, share a story, and toast the man who, in Sinatra's words, lived life "My Way."

Gallery

Memory Wall

Celebration of Life