Roger A. Dabalsa's Obituary
Roger Alberto Dabalsa passed away November 30th, 2020 at the age of 66, after a long battle with illnesses associated with quadriplegia resulting from a negligent surgery in 1983. He was surrounded by his surviving family and group of caretakers.
Roger was born on November 21st, 1954 in Havana, Cuba. He came to the United States with his mother Martha and brother Richard in October of 1960. His father Diego and Uncle Raul arrived prior to arrange living arrangements before the two family’s arrived to the USA. He became a naturalized citizen in 1977. Roger accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1972, while attending the youth ministry “Rancho Latino”, headed by his Pastor and soon to be longtime friend, Freddy Perez. His faith remained strong throughout his life and was his driving force. He graduated from Miami Senior High and Georgia Tech, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with a Minor in History. He was able to fulfill his childhood dream of working at NASA and was a member of the team that launched the first 4 missions of the Space Shuttle program, including Columbia and Challenger.
Roger will be most remembered by his limitless Love for his Lord Jesus Christ, who was always with him. He shared this Love with his family. Roger maintained a love for Science, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, History, Religion and Music. He had a great contagious sense of humor and was very learned in all subjects. He could carry on a conversation on any topic. Roger was confined to a wheelchair without the capability of movement or speech for over 37 years. In lieu of his condition, you would always see a smile on his face as he had the Lord inside him. He was able to visit Europe with his parents and private-duty nurse and emersed himself in the history he was witnessing. He appreciated all the Good he found around him and never pitied himself. His family and best friends were always by his side.
Roger is survived by his Mother Martha, Brother Richard, Sister-in-Law Dulce, Niece Jennifer and Nephew Ricky.
REST IN PEACE, MY DEAR BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following:
The Rock Miami: https://www.therockmiami.com/giving
Our Pride Academy: https://www.ourprideacademy.org
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