SELLEW, Roger Franklin
85, of Tarpon Springs, passed away, Saturday, April 15, 2023.
It saddens me to announce the passing of my beloved dad into God’s keeping. He was a loving Father and Grandfather, Brother and Uncle. He was a beloved friend to all.
Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was the son of Everett and Alice Sellew. He grew up moving around the country as his father was transferred with DuPont.
Roger graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. At Iowa State he was involved Tau Beta Pi, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Mu Alpha, Phi Lambda Upsilon. He was a Catt Outstanding Senior, Musician of the year. In addition, he went on to get his MBA from the Sloan School of MIT, Industrial Management and attended Columbia University, Executive Program in Business Administration.
Roger worked for Monsanto for 30 years as the Director, Acquisitions, Mergers and Advanced Material Businesses. He was involved in strategic planning, business management, marketing, product and business development. In 1991, he was the CEO of a newly formed joint venture, Advanced Elastomer Systems, by Monsanto and Exxon. Until 1995, his home had been in St. Louis when he moved the headquarters of the company to Akron Ohio.
After retiring as CEO of AES, Roger moved to Tarpon Springs in 1997. He devoted about 25% of his time advising and consulting growth companies and spent a significant amount of time as an active officer and board member of numerous organizations including: Both AdventHealth North Pinellas Hospital and its Foundation, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Evara Health, Citizens Alliance of Progress, Rotary club of Tarpon Springs, and Lutheran Services of Florida.
One of Rogers major accomplishments was founding the Sellew Excel CHARTER School in Belle Glade, FL, which set new standards of learning for underprivileged children, resulting in the counties adoption of these new standards.
Roger was very active in his church family: he was a choir member, oboist, and Lay Assistant: he served on the worship committee, was past president of the congregation, member of the board, and was just recently Vice president of the council.
Roger led an incredible life and we were honored to be able to share in it: Daughter and Son-In-Law, Deborah Ann Sellew and Michael G. Boucher of Tarpon Springs, FL; his three grandsons, Brian Everett Sellew Boucher of Tarpon Springs, FL, Bradley Michael Sellew Boucher(Fiancé Tammy Draper) of Springfield, MO and Brendan Thomas Sellew Boucher(Fiancé Addison Ackley) of Kansas City, MO; his “adopted” grandson Sean David Rivero of Chicago, IL; his sister, Ruth Sellew Veleber, and three nephews, Thomas, Douglas and David Veleber of Cheshire, CT. As a widower, Roger’s very dear friend has been Bonnie E. Bing of Dunedin, FL
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: AdventHealth North Pinellas Foundation (Sofias Zaronias-727-946-0971-1395 S. Pinellas Ave TS, FL 34689), Evara Health(Evara Health Foundation, Attn:Patti Ayala, Executive Assistant, 14100 58th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33760, 727-824-8100), Rotary Youth-Take Stock in Children Fund/Checks can be made out to Rotary Youth Trust, 426 Inness Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689/ Attn: Valerie Cullu or St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 812 E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Tarpon Springs on May 5 at 11am with luncheon to follow. The service will be live streamed on The St. Timothy Lutheran Church website on their YouTube channel at mylutheran.com
Dobies Funeral Home, 701 E. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
St. Timothy Lutheran Church
Dennis Anstine
April 22, 2023, 3:20 pm
Roger was a broad based knowledgeable person with many skills and respected within AES and the people. He was also well known for his involvement and work within the communities and churches where he lived. His pleasant nature and positive attitude was inspiring and appreciated.
He will be missed, but, remembered.
Ron and Beverly Boucher
April 22, 2023, 11:49 pm
Roger will be missed by all. His generosity touched all kinds of people. He was always very welcoming when you visited his home and loved to take you out to his favorite restaurants.
Ken Gardner
April 23, 2023, 12:23 am
Roger and I were high school classmates at FMHS when he moved to Fort Madison back in the fifties. Certainly our gain. His musical talent was apparent even then as he had such a marvelous tone from his oboe. RIP friend.
Gail Marchman
April 23, 2023, 12:59 am
We were fortunate to have Roger and Roberta for neighbors in Tarpon Springs for 20 some years. If I could define Roger I would say “a giver” as he was always giving and doing for others. When I told our oldest son Brian of his passing he said Roger was an “affable” guy! What a wonderful description! We will remember the “affable” guy and all the memories. Our world is a better place because of Roger!
Patti Ayala
April 23, 2023, 5:39 pm
I was honored to know Roger through his involvement with the Board of Directors for Evara Health (formerly Community Health Centers of Pinellas). His dedication to service and advocacy for so many worthy causes is inspiring. He was a champion of the mission to provide healthcare to all, especially the uninsured and underserved in our communities. Such a kind, generous, and thoughtful person.
Gaurav Arora
April 24, 2023, 12:55 pm
Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts, wishes and prayers are with you and your family! I hope that the Lord gives you and your family the strength that you need.
Jay Griffith
April 24, 2023, 2:58 pm
As president of AES, Roger used his servant leadership style to nuture and inspire a young organization as they rapidly grew. A good listener, he kept everyone engaged and fostered a can do, positive environment. He will be remembered for his welcoming smile and kind words.
Maria D. Ellul
April 24, 2023, 5:59 pm
I remember Roger Sellew when he was president of AES in the early nineties. He was a kind, humble and inspiring leader who brought much optimism. His warm demeanor and welcoming smile will always be remembered. He had the best signature custom cake in the shape of a life-size panther, at an AES anniversary celebration. We will always remember him. R.I.P. Mr. Sellew.
Sincere condolences to his family
Maria D. Ellul
Lynn Rossmeissl
April 24, 2023, 7:29 pm
When I joined AES in 1995 and the company was moving to Akron, OH and renovating the old Goodrich building, it was clear the company was full of energy and looking forward to the next chapter of its existence. Roger’s fingerprints were all over the company generating excitement and commitment to the business and community. Emphasis was on a workforce dedicated to meeting the customer needs. It was a great place to work –family friendly but 150% committed to company success.
I am sorry to learn of his passing but he left a bright spot in the Akron area and employee hearts.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Janela and Frédéric Picard and 5 children
April 26, 2023, 10:48 pm
We have been blessed to have Roger for almost 13yrs as our neighbor. We remember best Roger for his kindness generous, and witty ways. We remember our Long talks and great moments shared with him and late wife Roberta. Roger will be missed but his contribution to life goes on his wonderful legacy lives on with daughter Debbie, son in-law Mike and grandchildren who are our neighbours now. Farewell to a wonder neighbour and more.
Kazuo Kunishi
May 2, 2023, 2:33 pm
I met Mr. Sellew for the first time in 1992.
At the time he visited Tokyo in order to establish a subsidiary company of Advanced Elastomer Systems USA.
Ever since that time I worked together with Roger and visited and negotiated with Japanese customers such as Toyota, Nissan, etc. from time to time.
Roger was welcomed by everybody and every customer because of his distinguished personality.
He was very warmhearted, intelligent and decisive.
He was a person who made people around him happy, vigorous and encouraging.
To become a person like Roger was and still is my personal goal.
It was very fortunate for me to have met and worked together with Roger.
Kazuo Kunishi, retired CEO, Advanced Elastomer Systems Japan
Chuck Hunter
May 4, 2023, 9:56 pm
R I P Rog. Now you will be with Bobbie. You will be missed