Bio
| Education | New Bedford Textile School, New Bedford, MA |
1933 |
| Retired | 1975 and started playing tennis, curling, bowling, and shuffleboard |
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| Children Grandchildren Great-Grandchildren |
3 |
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Roger has been a model for, not only all in this family to follow, but his countless extended family members, friends, acquaintances, and people who know of him. In no particular order...
Background
His parents were immigrants from France, and worked in the textile mills in New Bedford, Massachusetts. French was the only language he knew, until his parents sent him to live at a local Catholic orphanage for a year to learn English. After graduation from New bedford High School, he worked his way through several years of college, before dropping out so he could provide additional support for his family during the depression. As he was fortunate enough to have work during that time, he took time to help deliver food and clothing to those who were less fortunate. That whole experience instilled in him a drive that served him, his wife, and children well in the years that were to follow.
In later years, while raising his family, he was active in the local PTA, he served as a Boy Scouts Neighborhood Commissioner for 10 years, was a member of the Exchange club and sang in the University Men's Glee Club chorus.
Dedication
He provided well for his growing family, never leaving them wanting for whatever they needed. He was tireless in pursuing his work responsibilities and then in the evenings and weekends, he worked further maintaining their home and cars, yet also giving them the guidance and attention they needed, attending whatever musical or sports events they were involved in.
Commitment
He was married to his wife, Florence, for nearly 69 years, never straying, and never suffering serious arguments.
Faith
He brought his family to church regularly, therein exposing them to a faith in God.
Discipline
Blessed with a wealth of common sense, he taught his family how to do things in an orderly manner, be it table manners, washing the floor, hammering in a nail, or changing the oil in the car. And he emphasized "everything in moderation."
Patience
Hey, raising children and being married to the same woman for the 69 years requires patience.
Fitness
Not by going to the gym, but by always being busy and doing something. Only after retirement did he start participating in tennis and, along with his wife, curling, bowling, and shuffleboard. Almost all in the family are also involved in some type of sport or fitness activity— from running, skiing, tennis, weight training, to kayaking, motocross, mountain biking, sailing, and kite boarding.
Hospitality
His door has always been open to any and all who wish to visit, any time.
Love
He practiced "tough love" before the phrase was coined. He loved his wife and children unconditionally, was always there for them, and still is.
No, he did not do it all on his own. He did it with the support of his late wife. She, too, was involved in bowling and shuffleboard, and loved to dance with him. They were a team, committed to each other and to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Since his wife's death, he has continued participating in numerous competitions, and will be competing in the up coming National Senior Games in San Francisco in August and the first European Senior Games in the Netherlands in September.