On 26 December, in the late evening hours, we bid farewell to Gary Rogacki, born 15 October 1958 in Buffalo, NY. Gary was a lot of things to a lot of people – a Husband, a Father, a Friend, and as he would often say, "a brother from another mother."

In life, Gary had an inviting spirit and infectious personality. Always quick with a joke, Gary made connections with seemingly everyone he met. Whether in a 30 second conversation at the convenience store, or throughout a lifelong friendship, he left everyone feeling like they had known him for years. It was that uncanny ability to make an impact on people that those left behind will miss most, but the feelings he left them with will carry on long after his departure from this world.

He married the love of his life, Jeanne, in 1978 and together they stayed until his passing. They enjoyed going to concerts, travelling to many parts of the world, and spending time with family and friends. They raised two strapping young men, Dave and Daniel, both of whom are now married and nurturing young families of their own.

As a loving father, Gary enjoyed teaching his boys the exact art and subtle science of growing the best lawn in the neighborhood. This passion kept him active throughout both his working and early retirement years. He also loved taking his sons on hunting trips and to football games but was most content talking with his boys, sharing his wisdom, and illuminating life's teachable moments in the garage or on the front porch. It is these seemingly small moments that allow Gary to live on in their hearts.

In business, Gary continuously beat the odds and redefined what was possible. He got his start as a laborer at Joseph A. Sanders and Sons Roofing company in Buffalo, NY, learning the trade that would define his career. Gary moved his family away from the frigid winters of Buffalo in 1985 to begin a new chapter of his roofing career in Virginia Beach, VA. He did not know it at the time, but this move would later pave the way to his 30-year partnership with business partner, John Babcock. And so was born, Roof Services Corporation in April of 1989. Roof Services was in many ways the catalyst for his rapid accension into the commercial contracting world of Hampton Roads. Together, John and Gary built Roof Services from its humble beginning as a small warehouse location in an old industrial park, to the powerhouse the company remains today. Gary loved Roof Services and the people who worked for him over the years. In many ways, his employees were his extended family, and he cared deeply for them.

In addition to leading Roof Services to be one of the top roofing companies along the eastern seaboard, Gary channeled energy into the betterment of the construction industry at large. He served as the President of the Association of Building Contractors (ABC) and was instrumental in the advancement of the Virginia Association of Roofing Contractors (VARC). While a part of VARC he spearheaded the campaign to shift the organization to become the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP), a move widely viewed as the reason for their far-reaching influence it has in the industry today. Always a believer in the benefits of worker autonomy, Gary brought to fruition his brainchild, the creation of Virginia's first non-union apprenticeship program—a program that continues to create meaningful trade careers for thousands of young men and women across the state today. He retired in the Fall of 2019.

When he had some time away from work, he enjoyed getting away to the Blueridge mountains, a place that always brought him solace. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, never turning down an opportunity to spend time outdoors. One of his proudest moments was purchasing a small unassuming cabin off the Blueridge Parkway, a dream he had since he was a young man. Over the years, he enjoyed many weekends there with family and friends, celebrating holidays, births and life accomplishments.

Gary was the son of the late Frederick and Adeline Rogacki. He is survived by wife Jeanne, his brother, Mark Rogacki (Janet), and his two sons Dave (Meghan) and Daniel Rogacki (Jordan). He leaves behind three Grandchildren, Xaiden (9), Vander (4) and Wilder (due in April of 2024) Rogacki. His nieces and nephews are also left behind.