Rogelio "Ro" Marcos Fitten transitioned from elder to ancestor on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at the age of 74. His battle in recent years with serious illnesses proved his steadfast determination, courage, and will in facing all of life's challenges.

From 1966-1969, Ro served as a proud Marine in the Headquarters Battalion 1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War. His heroism overseas was matched only by his heroics in beating cancer (twice) and his strength of spirit until the end of his life.

Ro was born on Easter Sunday 1946 in Colón, Republica de Panamá.  He was one of six children, born to the late Eli "Jack" Samuel Fitten and Ioni "Elene" Elaine Lovell.  He lived in Agua Clara, Panamá with his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Germaine. At their home, Ro would fetch the water from the river every morning and planted every seed from every fruit he ate, and to this day there remains a veritable fruit orchard on that land. He was affectionately called "Roll-y" for his love of rolled oats.

In 1959, he emigrated to Bronx, New York to be reunited with his parents and siblings.  In New York, he met his best friends Ruben, Tony, Angel, Thomas, and Castro and bonded over their favorite pastime: baseball.  He was an avid New York Mets fan.

He met the love of his life, Irma Magaña, just before his deployment to Vietnam in 1968. They were married in 1973 and settled in the Bronx. Ro was a hustler - he was a landlord, a superintendent, a general contractor, a real estate agent, and a "freelance plumber" all while earning his computer programming certification and working with IBM.

Ro and Irma had two children, Marc and Karinda, for whom they sacrificed a great deal to ensure their enrollment in some of the best schools.  Eventually, work relocated the family to Atlanta where Ro continued his computer programming work and began coaching little league baseball. In a family full of women, Ro was thrilled to have three grandsons, Benji, Eli, and Ezra and welcomed them with utter adoration.

Ro was a prankster who loved to laugh and make people laugh. He was also known for his stylish wardrobe - white tube socks and all shades of brown, gray, and dark blue. Everywhere Ro went, he was the neighborhood mayor - everyone knew who he was.  He always left an impression on people, because he was real.  He was true to himself and held no pretense.  He was honest. He was always helpful.  In fact, he considered himself a father figure to all and offered advice whether you asked for it or did not know you needed it.

Ro and Irma retired to Vero Beach, Florida, a long-time dream, and built a beautiful retirement bungalow.  In the warmer weather, Ro became a dedicated walker - walking up to 5-6 miles everyday - and continued to plant fruit trees up until his transition.

Ro is preceded in death by his parents, Eli "Jack" and Ioni "Elene." and his brothers, Rico and Elmer "Papito," as well as many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Irma; his son and daughter in-law, Marc and Zita; his daughter and son-in-law, Karinda and Jason; his three grandsons, Benji, Elijah, and Ezra; his sisters, Melida, Elvia, and Marcia; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family ask that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Disabled American Veterans at dav.org

Ro's funeral service will be a the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 9:30am.  Family will be receiving visitors at their home on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 4pm-6pm.

Please feel free to write a message of condolence to the family or share a memory of Rogelio.