Roger Risner

By Nick Repousa

Edited by Elizabeth Dockett

SCRANTON- Roger Risner has turned himself into the “Golden Child” of the Gino Merli Veterans Center, according to staff members. Risner’s helping hand, tender heart and quick wits have left a lasting impact on the people inside the walls of the local veteran center.  

Risner, 67, was born in Wilmington, Delaware on Oct. 15, 1957. Risner is one of nine children-he has eight brothers and one sister. He has suffered four strokes, which has limited his ability to complete full sentences. 

Risner enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1975 at 18 years old. His regiment was the USMC-11, also known as the “Cannon Cockers.” He was later transferred to the Marine Corps Reserves while he was stationed in California.  

He was an aviation mechanist during his time in the military and fluctuated between staff and sergeant three times. Risner indicated that it is uncommon for someone to move up and down between ranks as many times as he did. 

“No,” Risner said while laughing, “Oops.” 

Risner always had a passion for airplanes and mechanical work. Despite not serving actively during a war, Risner worked on planes at bases across the United States. Risner illustrated with his hands that he would visit bases on both the East and West coast.  

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” Risner said while pointing all over the place. 

Risner received the Good Conduct award, and after four years of service he was honorably discharged in December 1980. 

He stayed in California following his time in the Marines but continued to use his skills as a mechanic. Risner said that he fixed rides at one of the world’s most magical amusement parks following his discharge. 

“Disney,” Risner said “Fixed rides.” 

After his time in California, Risner moved back to the East coast and settled down in New Branford, Connecticut with his wife Joanie. He was a master craftsman as he would build houses and buildings for many of his years after the service. He moved to the Scranton area to live with his brother before moving into the Gino Merli Veterans Center. 

Risner is beloved by the staff at the Merli Center. Ellen Aldrich, an activity aid at the Merli Center, said that Risner is like family and that they like to joke around. 

“He’s like a brother,” Aldrich said, “He’s an assbuster. He’s one that can give it and take it.” 

Risner is known around the center to be a wanderer. He frequently visits other veterans around the building on all floors and is notorious for handing out Tootsie Pops. He enjoys playing games with the other veterans like rummy, bingo and Monopoly and has gained respect from them over the years. Aldrich said that he racked up various nicknames during his time at the Merli Center. 

“He’s the lollipop king,” Aldrich said, “Some call him Mayor Risner.”  

When he’s not wandering, Risner can be found outside when it is nice out or doing puzzles. Every morning at 8 a.m. he can be found in the second-floor lounge of the Merli Center doing jigsaw puzzles. Aldrich said that Risner has done nearly every puzzle that the center has to offer. 

“It takes him about three to four days to complete one,” Aldrich said, “He’s probably done every one we have.” 

Risner sits as the resident representative at the Merli Center. He is one of five residents on the council who are voted in by their peers in the building. Risner is responsible for listening to the other residents and bringing up their thoughts and opinions during meetings. 

Aldrich said he helps decide on different ideas that the center proposes to the council. 

“He helps vote on food and trips that the residents go on,” Aldrich said. 

Helping other residents are not the only people he helps around the building. He helps with tasks from shopping trips to Walmart to trying to assist staff members when they drop something. He also volunteers to serve on the centers color guard during their monthly ceremonies. Aldrich said that Risner’s personality and willingness to help is appreciated by everybody at the Merli Center. 

“He’s an all-around good guy,” Aldrich said, “He’s always trying to help or pick things up.” 

Risner is not shy about his love for music. He loved to sing for his family and attended many concerts throughout his life. His favorite type of music to listen to is country music but also liked to listen to bands such as the Rolling Stones. Risner still shows that a good tune can’t keep him seated. 

“He, He, He,” Risner said while he stood up from his wheelchair and danced in place.