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John 'BeBe' Roka, 85, Former Paramus Resident

FAIR LAWN, N.J. -- John "BeBe" Roka, of Fair Lawn, died on Thursday, March 9. He was 85.

John "BeBe" Roka

John "BeBe" Roka

Photo Credit: Vander Plaat-Caggiano Funeral Home

Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Oradell, he resided in Paramus before moving to Fair Lawn over 25 years ago. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he served in the Army's Marksmanship Unit, where he received numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Rifleman badge, and won the National Individual Rifle Match. 

Roka continued is marksmanship as a civilian, as well. He was an NRA-certified instructor, a distinguished rifleman with the U.S. Army Service Rifle Team and a life member of the Military Marksmanship Association.

He was an HVAC technician with Cold Stat Refrigeration, in Paramus. He was a life member of American Legion Post 170 of Rochelle Park, a Gold Circle and life member of VFW Post 6699 of Paramus, a member of Elks Lodge No. 2001 in Paramus and a Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge 293 of Paramus. 

He also enjoyed airbrushing and spending time with family and friends.

Roka is survived by his children, John Roka and his wife Jean, Julie Miller and her husband Dave; stepson Robert Revicki and his wife Carol Ann; and grandchildren Sean Roka, Thomas Roka, Austin Bair and Siobahan Miller. 

He was preceded by his brother, Michael Roka.

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, at Vander Plaat-Caggiano Funeral Home, 13-31 Saddle River Rd., in Fair Lawn. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will follow, at George Washington Memorial Park, in Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, by clicking here, or by mail to P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950, using this form.

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