Roger Samarani

Roger Raymond Samarani of Hugo, MN, died unexpectedly on February 16, 2018, at the age of 44.  He was a devoted husband, loving Father and generous and loyal friend. Roger was truly a one-of-a kind individual who had a giving heart.
Roger was born on October 5, 1973, in Batroun, Lebanon.  He was the third of six children born to Raymond and Elham Samarani.  He grew up in Lebanon during the Civil War. His Catholic faith was very important to him and he wanted Lebanon to be a free country with no religious persecution and was passionate about trying to making that happen.
In 1999, he came to the United States through Political Asylum. He had only $5,000 in his pocket, but he was driven to make a better life for himself. In January of 2000, he married Monica Mayclin in Minneapolis, Minnesota and they began building their life together in the Twin Cities. After seeing many things during the war, he always felt fortunate to live in the United States.
Roger was an over-achiever who was very motivated.  He had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned many businesses throughout his life.  He owned a deli, gas stations, liquor stores, rental properties, and an import and export business.  He earned the nickname “Bobby Businessman” from those people that knew and loved him. He was very hard working and dedicated to his family and friends. He was a brilliant man, who was full of ideas and energy to try new things and had a vision for making things happen by hard work and motivation.
There was nobody who was more generous, kind and loving than Roger.  He would open up his home to visitors and guests whenever someone needed a place to stay.
On October 5, 2008, his first daughter, Madeline Marie Samarani, was born with Down Syndrome.  While Monica was scared, Roger embraced the idea - comforting his wife that this was a “special birthday gift from God” as Madeline was born on his birthday. Through Madeline’s many surgeries he was always right by her side snuggling with her to comfort her.
January 19, 2011, a second daughter was born to Roger and Monica, they prayed for a strong advocate for Madeline who was caring and kind and God honored their request. If Monica thought that Madeline was a Daddy’s girl, she had no idea how much Laura would have Daddy wrapped around her finger.  Roger would take Laura on “dates” to her favorite restaurant or watch a Twins game.
Mauricio Marcel was born on December 30, 2013, and Roger was thrilled to have a chance to have a young man in the house.  Roger enjoyed taking Mauricio with him to “work” at the gas station and Mauricio enjoyed spending time with his dad during the work day on their travels throughout the Twin Cities.
Roger’s life revolved around family and the great love he had for his children.  He enjoyed cooking and entertaining and was known for his garlic sauce and kebobs.  He would deliver garlic sauce to those he loved all across the Twin Cities. Roger came to this country never cooking anything, but figured out how to make all of his Lebanese favorites that were the hit of many parties and dinners at his home.

Roger was a practical jokester who was constantly making his family laugh.  From whoopee cushions placed at just the right time, to jokes galore – he was always providing entertainment to those who were around him.  He loved life and loved his family.
In the Summer, Roger would spend significant time with his kids at the pool.  He taught Laura and Mauricio how to swim at a very young age and was working on helping Madeline learn how to swim independently.  Roger found solace with nature and loved to watch the birds during his morning coffee along with the turkey and deer. He was a devoted Catholic who found strength in the Virgen Mary.
He is survived by wife, Monica; daughters Madeline and Laura Lee; and son Mauricio, his parents Raymond and Elham and brothers Robert and Roni and sisters Raymonda, Rania, and Rita.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Monday, February 26, 2018, at St. Maron’s Catholic Church, 600 University Ave NE, Mpls, 612-379-7647, with visitation Starting at 9 AM.  Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, White Bear Lake.

Donations can be made to the Roger Samarani Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo bank or by through Paypal to the email address: monicaandroger@msn.com.