Mr. John Roger Mariner, of Pittsford, N.Y., passed away in his home Wednesday, March 25. Roger was a uniquely optimistic man who inspired those around him to be unafraid of the uncertainties of life and to keep dreaming about what could be, rather than what was.
Roger is survived by his sons, Charlie (Haley) and Tristan; his beloved granddaughter, Evie; his brother, Mark (Marcia); and his nieces and nephews, Melissa, Mara, Billy, Matt, and Micaela; as well as Mara’s children, Jimmy and Isabelle, who held a special place in Roger’s heart.
Roger’s life and legacy on the Eastern Shore is largely defined by the business that he created with his former wife, Jean. Together they built the Clam Shack, which will remain a gathering place for locals and travelers long after Roger’s death. The constant creative thinking and problem solving required to run a restaurant kept Roger busy, and the endless new faces and stories of customers satisfied his need for novelty and ideas about the future.
Before moving to the Shore, Roger lived a life full of adventure, never staying in one place for too long while also somehow always making friendships that lasted a lifetime along the way. News from his many friends across the globe inspired him until his final days. He was fortunate to experience more thrills, visit more countries, and meet more people than most could hope for in three lifetimes.
If he wasn’t on a trip, he was planning one and inspiring someone else to get up and go see something new. But don’t let his wanderlust fool you: Roger’s greatest satisfaction came from cooking an over-seasoned meal, sitting on his porch with a cold beer, and watching the seasons go by on Westerhouse Creek.
One entry from Roger’s journal as he traveled from Hong Kong to Nepal through China and Tibet in 1982 reads, “Who is the rich man? He who is satisfied with what he has.”
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, May 2, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Roger’s home. Come with lawn chairs and drinks for yourself, be prepared to share stories, listen to live music, and eat some of Roger’s favorites. Friends from near and far are invited to camp on the property, or find accommodations at the hotels in nearby Exmore or Cape Charles. Reach out to the family if you have any questions.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
