H. Wayne Roop, 79, of Lower Township, passed away Dec. 29, 2025 with his wife and sister by his side.
Born Oct. 27, 1946, Wayne was a true native son, born and raised in the area, attending the old Cape May and West Cape May elementary schools, then graduating in 1964 from the new Lower Cape May Regional High School, where he DJ’d the Friday night dances, using his amazing record collection Wayne loved music and singing!
After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Cape May, working at several different jobs, including Avalon Internet & Networking, Paul’s Refrigeration, Cape May Housing Authority and Central Air Inc., eventually returning to Paul’s Refrigeration where he, literally, worked until the day he died.
Also upon his return, he embraced the Jehovah Witness religion, the members and the religion becoming an important part of his life through his remaining years.
Wayne was passionate about the weather! Observing and recording it from the time he was a young teenager. He was eventually recruited by and worked in an official capacity with the National Weather Service earning plaudits for his precision and dedication.
Also, for many years he contributed weather information, both present and past, to our local Cape May Star and Wave. He also made tide tables for several local businesses.
He was predeceased by his father Harold Roop, mother Hope LaBlanc, brothers Edward Roop and Laurence Roop.
He is survived by his wife Jane Hecht Roop; children Eric, Shannon and Andrew, with his first wife; granddaughter Melissa and four great-grandchildren; sisters Dawn Andrus (Bruce), Carol Meehan (John) and Meg Huf; nieces and nephew Heather, Stephen and Heidi, who loved their Uncle Wayne! Also his wife’s children Carrie (John) and their son Brody; David (Colleen); Bryan and his sons Frankie and Benny.
There will be a celebration of life memorial service at 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall, 827 Seashore Road, Lower Township. In lieu of flowers, family request you please make a donation to the charity of your choice and hug your loved ones!
