Roger J. Van Laer

Roger J. Van Laer of Westford, passed away after a short illness on October 31, 2025.

He was born in Bornem, Belgium on November 7, 1932 and came to live with his daughter, Myriam and son-in-law, Wayne in 2017, after losing his beloved wife, Nora to whom his was married for 59 years.

Roger joined the Belgian Army at 19 years of age and worked his way up the ranks during his 32 years of service as a NATO Officer in Germany, retiring as a Major.

He then served as a border patrol official for several years and ended his career as the head of the military commissary depot in Aachen, Germany.

Always physically active, Roger played soccer into his forties and tennis into his seventies. His favorite game was bridge, which was a lifelong passion and he played twice a week until two weeks before his death.

Besides his daughter, Myriam and son-in-law, Wayne Zwicker of Westford, he is survived by his son, Pierre Van Laer of Abu Dhabi; his granddaughters, Michelle Lydon and her husband, Michael of Shirley, Clare O’Connor Motavalli and her husband, Husain “Bob” of Westford and Laureen O’Connor of Westport; his grandsons, Maxime Van Laer currently living in the DRC, Christophe Van Laer and his wife, Sandra of Abu Dhabi; his great-grandsons, Maximilian Motavalli and Luca Van Laer; as well as nieces and nephews in Bornem, Eupen, Belgium and Hamburg, Germany.

He was the brother of the late Maria Scheppers.

A private memorial will be held at a later date when close family members from overseas can arrange to be present.