Roger "Scotty" P. McIlree

Roger Philip McIlree was born on September 7, 1943, in New York City, a place that shaped his grit, his humor, and his unstoppable energy. From the very beginning, Roger lived life in motion—always working, always learning, always finding a way forward. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Diane McIlree; his son Morgan and daughter-in-law La Nae; grandchildren Kailyn and Dylan; his daughter Carolyn and son-in-law Abel Thangawng; grandsons Seth and Liam; daughter Maria; brother Thomas; and sister-in-law Marge. His legacy lives on in each of them. Roger’s story begins with hustle. As a young boy in New York, he worked on Freddie’s vegetable wagon—jumping off to deliver produce and jumping back on before Freddie, the horse, moved on. He sold Christmas trees, rolled cigarettes at a luncheonette, and even turned off the lights at local synagogues, discovering early that effort, ingenuity, and responsibility mattered. It was never just about earning money—it was about independence. That same drive followed him into adulthood. He served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Shasta during the Bay of Pigs crisis, where he became known not only for his skill but his fearlessness. When danger called, Roger answered—once risking his life to secure a swinging bomb at sea. He was a hero in uniform, though he never asked for the title. After the Navy, Roger’s hands could fix anything—ships, engines, buses, motorcycles, homes. He was a machinist, a problem-solver, and a master craftsman. Later, his entrepreneurial spirit exploded at Harley-Davidson of Manhattan, where he transformed motorcycles, revolutionized sales, and built what became Harley-Davidson of New York. His innovations caught national attention, earned industry awards, and even led to a historic international sale to the Prince of Iran. Roger didn’t just sell bikes—he built dreams and communities. But beyond the accomplishments, Roger’s greatest role was being a husband and a father. He was fiercely protective, endlessly loyal, and always present. He showed up—during snowstorms, blackouts, medical emergencies, hurricanes, and everyday moments. When someone he loved needed help, there was no hesitation. He found a way. Roger was intensity and tenderness wrapped into one remarkable man. He was courageous, stubborn, generous, and deeply loving. He promised Diane a life that might not make them millionaires—but would be “one hell of a ride.” And he kept that promise. Roger McIlree was not just a man who loved fully—he lifted others along the way. He was a protector, a builder, a storyteller, and a superhero to those who knew him best. His ride continues in the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the stories we will carry forward. May we honor him by living with the same courage, curiosity, and heart. A Viewing will be held at Fellows Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home 106 Shamrock Road Chester MD 21619, on Friday January 9th from 1-3pm and 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 10th at 10:30am at St. Christophers Catholic Church 1681 Harbor Drive Chester MD 21619. In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/ Jesse Gerhard Foundation https://www.jessegerhardmemorial.com/product/donation-in-memory-of-roger-scotty-mcllree Hotel booking links for guests coming into town can be found below. Holiday Inn Express Grasonville, MD Hotels | Holiday Inn Express Annapolis East-Kent Island Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina - Reservation Stays Hotel Deals Chesapeake Bay Beach Club The Inn - Chesapeake Bay Beach Club

Roger "Scotty" P. McIlree

September 7, 1943 - January 1, 2026