Swampscott loses his football voice

SWAMPSCOTT – Longtime resident Roger Volk died Thursday, July 11, at the age of 81 from complications of myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of blood cancer.

Volk’s legacy is inextricably linked to his tenure as announcer for the Swampscott High School football team, which he began in 2000. For two decades, his voice was synonymous with Friday night games at Blocksidge Field.

“He was the voice of Big Blue,” said Kelly Wolff, athletic director at Swampscott High School. “He was very dedicated and enthusiastic about everything.”

Former Big Blue head coach Steve Dembowski’s relationship with Volk extended well beyond the field, as the two had known each other for more than 40 years.

“When my daughter was 8, he had her sing the national anthem at a home game,” Dembowski said. “He just did it on his own. He knew she could sing and that she was willing to do it.”

Dembowski added that Volk maintained an optimistic attitude even during his battle with his fatal illness.

Volk graduated from Boston University with a degree in business administration in 1969. After a brief career as an auditor, he switched to teaching.

Robert Waehler, the dean of Suffolk University, a friend of Volk’s and a former professor at BU, offered him a teaching position. Meanwhile, Volk earned two master’s degrees – one in education and one in business administration – and eventually a doctorate in philosophy. Soon after, he was promoted to associate dean at Suffolk.

After his first wife, June, died of cancer in 1984, Volk returned to his original job as an accountant with Roger Volk and Company, but he broadened his horizons by hosting a weekly show on WRKO called “Financial Survival with Roger Volk.” He appeared on radio and in newspapers as a “tax guru” for 25 years, even after he became the voice of Swampscott football.

In 1988 he married his second wife Elaine.

Volk supported many organizations in Swampscott throughout his life, including making multiple donations to the Swampscott Police Association’s Christmas parade.

“He was just the most generous person,” Dembowski said. “He brought positive energy to everything he did.”