Roger Tracy Converse, Jr.

Roger “R.J.” Tracy Converse, Jr. 44, of Chicago passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.  Roger was born August 23, 1976, in Galesburg, IL the son of Roger Tracy, Sr. and Penny Jeanne (Carlson) Converse.

R.J. had one early passion in his life and developed several more throughout his life.  Very early on in his life R.J. developed a passion for the game of basketball.  He gravitated towards his Father’s favorite player Larry Bird but eventually desired to be the next Duke point guard Bobbie Hurley.  He would play 1 on 1 with his older sister and insist his younger brother rebound his practice free throw attempts.  He started his high school career at Waubonsee Valley but he concluded his high school career as a two time All Conference player from Hinckley Big Rock in 1994.  That following Fall he enrolled at Rockford College.  He graduated from Rockford College in 1998.

After ending his college basketball & education at Rockford College, R.J. relentlessly worked in various analytical roles in his professional career.  It became his passion to create continuous process improvements and implement these strategies to enhance his company’s performance.  Outside of his professional career, R.J. was a passionate pet owner to his Siberian Husky companions Trajan & Sabre. 

He was also passionate about his favorite band, college sport teams, culinary arts, and his family & friends.  R.J. was passionate about listening to Dave Mathews Band’s music, rooting for Ohio State Buckeyes in football & Duke Blue Devils basketball teams.  He loved creating amazingly delicious spreads while hosting or coming to gatherings.  But he was most passionate about being the best son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, godfather for his family & friends.

He is survived by his mother and father Penny and Roger Converse, his sister Courtney (Ken) Erickson, and his brother Joshua (Stephanie) Converse, his nieces and nephews, Taylor, Mitchell, and Kaitlin Erickson, and Brooklyn, Reagan and Colton Converse, and his beloved puppy and companion Sabre. 

Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL.  Due to COVID-19 occupancy requirements, please wear a mask and be prepared to wait if occupancy becomes an issue.  

Due to COVID-19 occupancy requirements, funeral services will be held private, and will be on an invitation only.  Following the funeral services R.J. will be transported to his final resting place at the River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia, IL.  After the committal service, we will conclude with a lunch service at Lincoln Inn Banquets at 1345 S Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to https://www.pawschicago.org/how-to-help/donate