Roger H. Cerne

Roger H. Cerne, age 85, passed away July 13, 2026. He was born in Cleveland on March 18, 1941. A graduate of Collinwood High School, he attended Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland graduating with a BS degree in Management Science. In 1963 he joined the Harris-Intertype’s Cottrell Division in Westerly, Rhode Island as an industrial engineer. He and his wife, Judy, returned to Cleveland and accepted a role as an account executive at Merrill Lynch. He was then recruited to join the Case Alumni Association as the executive director of the Case Fund. During this time, he increased the Association’s assets from $300,000 to over $42 million and in 2013 he was awarded the first Lifetime Service Award from the Case School of Engineering. In 2012 he continued with Case as an executive advisor to the Dean of the Case School of Engineering and stayed in this position until his passing. In 2025 he was proudly inducted into the Collinwood High School Hall of Fame in recognition for being an outstanding and influential alumni. Roger’s family was close to his heart, from family gatherings and celebrations to sharing the world with his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Judy, as they explored across country and abroad. But his favorite times were his family vacations every summer. An avid Cleveland sports enthusiast, Roger never missed a Brown’s game and true to his nature, he never gave up on his team. He was an accomplished sailor, competing in races for over 35 years. Always brave and ever the fighter, Roger led his life to the fullest. Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judy Cerne; brother, Frank D. Cerne; children, Cheryl Sicker (David); grandchildren, Bryan and Grace Sicker and great-grandchild, Lenna Sicker, who always made his days brighter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Eleanor Cerne. Family and friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A funeral service to conclude the gathering will begin at 7:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place in Concord Twp., Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s honor to the Case Western Reserve University – Case School of Engineering, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Roger H. Cerne

March 18, 1941 - July 13, 2026