Roger Sofer

Roger Sofer, born November 14, 1949 in Queens, New York to Roslyn and Hyman Sofer, died from a rare form of Leukemia on March 10, 2021. Cancer was the one fight where his sheer will, gregarious personality and steadfast determination didn't prevail, which was unlike every other accomplishment, milestone and success he achieved in life. Roger graduated from Bayside High School and received a baseball scholarship to the University of Tampa, competing as a left-handed pitcher and aspiring to play for his favorite team, the New York Yankees. After graduating college with an economics degree, he moved back to New York to work as a sales rep for Seagrams. The job eventually brought him to Houston where he married and started a new position at Sterling Electronics, before leaving and starting the financial planning firm of Sofer Steiner and Associates in 1977. Roger's successful career brought him numerous awards, but his success was more defined by the many personal relationships he nurtured over his 44-year career. Since he connected with everyone on a personal level, he never really met a stranger. His charismatic personality was woven into every aspect of his life--family, business, sports, dogs and horses. This charming spirit was ever-present in 1994, which marked a new chapter in Roger's life, when he married Linden Lloyd and began buying thoroughbred horses. He cultivated relationships with stables, trainers and other horse owners where he became known by everyone in the business. The love of the sport became like a second career for him, culminating in the 2020 success of co-owned horse Tiz The Law. Tiz the Law won the Holy Bull, the Champagne, the Florida Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Traverse Stakes which took him to the Kentucky Derby. In the midst of these wins, in March 2020, Roger received his Leukemia diagnosis, devastating all those around him. It was his fighting spirit, his love for his family and the excitement surrounding Tiz the Law which helped him face cancer head on. Roger's biggest passion in life was his love of Israel, which was a legacy from his beloved parents. Roger's unyielding dedication for a strong alliance between the United States and Israel defined his community work and made him an iconic leader in Houston and beyond. Roger served as a member of AIPAC's National Board of Directors for nearly two decades. He singularly focused on growing AIPAC's presence in Houston. When Roger spoke about his love for Israel, his passion was felt by everyone in the room. He formed personal relationships with elected officials from both sides of the aisle, traveling to Washington and Israel countless times to stay informed about the threats facing America and Israel. For decades, elected officials from Texas and around the country consulted with Roger on issues related to the Middle East. Roger was a giant in the Houston business and civic communities, and he will be remembered for his incredible wit, loyalty, and devotion to everything important in his life. His enthusiastic example and bold leadership will be missed by all. He is survived by wife Linden Sofer; sister, Elyse Underberg; children, Nicole and Craig Loewenstern, Scott Sofer, Jennifer and Mark Sondock, Rebecca Emrick; grandchildren, Elizabeth Sondock, Sam Sondock, and Beau Loewenstern. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy or honor Roger, to consider making a donation to Jewish Family Services at www.jfshouston.org/donate Graveside service will be Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10:30am please join the family by zoom, click the link: https://zoom.us/j/99944715410

Roger Sofer

November 14, 1949 - March 10, 2021