Roger N. Nanovic, Esq.

Roger N. Nanovic, Esq., 97, of Palmerton, died peacefully early Tuesday morning, June 9, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital, Carbon Campus, Lehighton. He was the husband of Geraldine A. (Neyhart) Nanovic, for 72 years, married on Sept 5, 1953. Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Nicholas S. and Madeline P. (Partel) Nanovic. He was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Church, Palmerton.

A 1947 graduate of Stephen S. Palmer High School, Roger continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1951, with an accounting degree. In 1954, he obtained his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law. Roger was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on Dec. 9, 1954, in absentia, while on active duty with the Army during the Korean War. After his discharge from the service, achieving the rank of corporal, Roger returned to Palmerton and began his law practice at 57 Broadway in Jim Thorpe in 1956, where he practiced for 66 years.

In 1959, Roger became a partner in the Heimbach & Nanovic firm, followed by a period of solo practice, and then another partnership in the Nanovic & McKinley firm, founded in 1971. When that firm dissolved in 1978, Roger opened Nanovic Law Offices. Five of his six children became lawyers, including his three sons who joined him in the family practice. In 2022, Roger retired, after a lifelong commitment to serving his local community, leaving the office in the care of his sons, Thomas and James. His son Roger left the firm to serve as President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Carbon County. The Carbon County Bar Association honored Roger in 2004, for his 50 years of service.

In his early years, Roger was active in Republican politics. From 1960 – 66, he served as an assistant district attorney under George Kerestes. He was appointed solicitor of Carbon County and continued in that position until 1972. Roger was a trial lawyer and represented Pepsi-Cola, 7UP and Coca-Cola bottlers throughout the eastern United States. He was also a solicitor for banks, savings and loans associations, municipalities and school districts in the local area. In his later years of practice, Roger served as a volunteer ombudsman with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, working with the Carbon County Area Agency on Aging. In this role, he advocated for and resolved problems for residents of the county’s nursing homes and personal care facilities. He also conducted educational programs at senior centers throughout the county.

Roger and his wife, Geraldine, have always been immensely proud of their family, all of whom joined them in their love of all things Notre Dame. Saturdays in the fall were spent listening to Notre Dame football games, first on the radio and then on the television, and heaven help anyone who interfered with that tradition. Roger was also a deeply religious man who passed that faith onto his family. He led by example and treated all with respect and kindness, never seeking personal recognition. His legacy will live on through his family.

Survivors: Roger is survived by his wife, Geraldine, daughters, Barbara A. wife of Walter Garigliano of Claryville, NY, Christine A. wife of Paul McGuire of Palmerton, and Susan N. wife of John Flannery of Chappaqua, NY; sons, Roger N. and wife Cindy (Getz), Thomas S., of Jim Thorpe, and James R. and wife Eileen (Milan), of Lehighton, 20 grandchildren. 25 great grandchildren. brother, Robert S. Nanovic of North Yarmouth, ME. many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Ashby, her husband John, sister-in-law Elizabeth Nanovic and daughter in law, Tina M. (Getz) Nanovic.

Services: Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00AM Saturday, Sacred Heart Church, 243 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071. Call, 10:15 - 11:00AM Saturday in the church. Interment W/ Military Honors, Sacred Heart Church, Stoney Ridge Road, Palmerton. Arrangements, Campton Funeral Home, Palmerton. Online Condolences: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com

Contributions: Sacred Heart Church Memorial Fund, Palmerton, PA, 18071 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.