Hudson Valley Mourns David Roger, Man Known for Waving to Everyone Who Passed By

A simple wave can make someone's day and leave an impression for a lifetime.

David Roger of Wappinger Falls, NY Passes Away

An local obituary is going viral locally here in the Hudson Valley.

According to an obituary posted on tributearchive.com, David Valentine Roger of Wappinger Falls "peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the age of 90."

The obituary explains that Roger was a lifelong resident of Dutchess County as he was born in the area on Valentine's Day in 1936.

We learn that Roger went on to work and retire from IBM in Poughkeepsie, and later in life he enjoyed his retirement by fishing and taking trips to the casino.

David was always an outdoorsman, an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a jack of all trades and was never afraid of hard work. In his later years he enjoyed his trips to the casinos.

While this may seem like a normal, heartfelt obituary. There's a reason why many Dutchess County residents are sharing the news and mourning the loss of David Roger.

Community Mournes Passing of Waving Mr. Roger

David Roger was known to spread kindness daily from the driveway of his home. Mr. Roger would sit at the end of his driveway on Old Hopewell Road and wave to drivers passing by.

Many in the community noticed his absence from Old Hopewell Road posting on social media asking about an update on Mr. Roger.

As news spread of Mr. Roger's passing, the Dutchess County community began to share their stories of seeing Roger's friendly wave and how it made their day on their commute.

Wappinger Town Supervisor Honors Community Staple

Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joseph Cavaccini took to social media to honor Mr. Roger.

Cavaccini writes on social media "It doesn’t take much to be kind to someone."

If you have ever traveled down Old Hopewell Road near Route 9, you most likely have seen David Roger sitting in his front lawn waving to motorists and pedestrians as they passed his home.

Supervisor Cavaccini adds "Part of the beauty of living in a community with “small town charm” are memorable interactions like this." The post concludes with Cavaccini offering his condolences and leaving us with this:

In a world that is often contentious, let us be more like Mr. Roger.

If you have some time today, or every day, give a wave to your neighbor in honor of Mr. Roger and spread the kindness anyway you can.