Roger J. Remillard

SOUTH GRAFTON – Roger J. Remillard, 87, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 20th surrounded by his loving family.

Roger leaves his wife of 65 years, Susan A. (Neslusan) Remillard. Together they raised 5 children. Roger was born and raised in South Grafton. He served for 8 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, during and following the Korean War. He was a seventeen-year volunteer firefighter for the Grafton Fire Department with Engine 3.  Among his many jobs, he worked for Whitin Machine Works, was a mail carrier, and retired as a working foreman for Massachusetts Highway Department after thirty years.

Roger was the beloved father of John J. Remillard of Millbury, Robert M. Remillard of South Grafton, and Rachel M. Flynn and her husband, Sean of North Grafton; seven grandchildren, Keith, Kyle, Benjamin and his wife Kerry, Nicholas, Anthony, Stefanie, and Jonathan; a great granddaughter, Stevie; and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by two sons, Stevan J. Remillard and Michael J. Remillard; and a daughter-in-law, Maria L. Remillard.

Roger was the best babysitter; playing ball and other games, going for walks, and he loved attending all his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.  He was a faithful parishioner at St. James Church in South Grafton his whole life. He volunteered there in many different roles, including as a groundskeeper, as a singer in the choir, as a member of the bereavement committee, and as a crossing guard for CCD classes. He was also an avid walker. Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the hospice staff from Overlook Hospice Services, especially April, Megan, Nicole, Kate J, Kate S, Chaplin David, and Bettina, who all worked so very hard to make Roger as comfortable as possible in his final weeks.

Family and friends are invited to remember Roger’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday, August 25th from 4 to 7 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 26th at 10 a.m. in St. James Church, 89 Main Street, South Grafton.  Burial with military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery, South Grafton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Quilts of Valor Foundation, or Overlook Hospice Services, 88 Masonic Home Rd #2, Charlton, MA 01507.