Fred Lee Rogusky

Fred Lee Rogusky May 20, 1935 – February 6, 2020

Fred Lee Rogusky of Vienna, Virginia, passed away on February 6, 2020 surrounded in warmth by his loving family. He was born in Whipple, West Virginia on May 20, 1935, the son of a coal miner and devoted mother. He was a state-wide recognized star athlete at Collins High School lettering in football, basketball, and track and field. He was recognized as Athlete of the Year in 1954. Fred also served as the Vice President of Collins Student Council and was an active member of Thespian Troupe 388. He also enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle and flying his Piper J-3 Cub plane. He moved to Northern Virginia with his bride Vicki in the early 1960s. He served two years active duty in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedburg, Germany with Elvis Presley. He served another four years in the U.S. Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1964.

Fred spent most of his career working as a contracts program manager and administrator for various companies in the health science industry, while also earning a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Business Administration from American University in Washington, D.C. When his beloved wife Vicki was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 1989, he single-handedly cared for her with unparalleled warmth and devotion keeping her comfortable at home until her passing in 1992. Shortly thereafter, Fred retired and began volunteering at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he dedicated nineteen years of his life until late 2018 when he fell ill to cancer. Fred always gave life his all and no project or task ever fell short of receiving his extreme focus and commitment. If he knew inclement weather was approaching the area, he would go into the hospital outside his normal volunteer schedule to make sure supply rooms were well stocked and wheelchairs impeccably clean and operational. He could be seen walking around the hallways throughout the day, always with a smile on his face looking for the next project to accomplish or person to help. Inova Fairfax Hospital recognized his exceptional, long- standing volunteer service through their first Volunteer of the Year award in 2015, established in part because of Fred’s “creative” contributions to helping staff and patients of Inova. Fred was a proficient organizer, list maker, and planner. He personified the adage, lend a helping hand, by always supporting his family, friends, and neighbors in areas ranging from landscaping, gardening, snow removal, moving, project management, to the simple but most important gift of just being there for sage wisdom and advice. He was a devoted, generous, and loving father, grandfather, and friend, ALWAYS offering his hand in help.

When not helping others, Fred’s passions (outside of family) were his rose garden, sports, and Affinity Acres. Fred tended to over 30 different types of roses over the years and was happy to share them with anyone interested. He was an avid fan at all levels and types of sports. His favorite teams were the Madison Warhawks (maybe because his eldest daughter, Leslye, was the captain of the Pom-Pom squad), West Virginia Mountaineers, Washington Redskins (although it’s been a tough road during the Snyder era), Washington Capitals, and most definitely the Washington Nationals. His son-in-law Doug was also successful at converting him to become an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. When not watching sports, Fred played various sports including flag football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Fred loved visiting Affinity Acres, an animal sanctuary in Florida owned by his daughter Lisaanne and son-in-law Harvey, where he enjoyed giving the animals carrots.

Fred is predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Vicki; his parents, Charles and Beulah; his brother Charlie, and sister Rosetta. He is survived by daughter Leslye Joan Schweizer, her husband Doug, their daughters Kristina and Stephanie; daughter Lisaanne Davis, her husband Harvey, their daughter Rachel and her husband Wes Etheredge; as well as many close friends and furry “grandchildren.” A Celebration of Life is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to either The ALS Association or the American Cancer Society.