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JOSEPH ROLLER Obituary
While working in International Banking at Irving Trust, Joe met his wife, Jan (a fellow Milburn High School graduate). Joe and Jan moved to Australia while Joe was on a four-year assignment with Irving Trust. Joe and Jan returned to the United States in 1982, and Joe began a 19-year career at BayBank. Joe's nearly 50-year banking career ended at Cambridge Trust, where he served as CEO for 12 years.
Joe loved being part of a team, but he was also a natural leader. He excelled leading teams of all kinds. Children of all ages adored being coached by Joe. Young adults loved being mentored by Joe. Bank colleagues were energized by his integrity and authenticity. In each of these endeavors, he was always patient and caring with the people he had been entrusted to lead.
Joe raised his two boys (Chris & Cam) with an emphasis on sports and the ocean. On any given weekend he could be found in one of two places: coaching or practicing a sport with his boys, or fishing/bodysurfing with them on Cape Cod or the Jersey shoreline. Chris and Cam loved "all sports days," that involved hitting baseballs at Orleans Field on Cape Cod, followed by bodysurfing at Nauset Beach with their father.
In addition to being survived by his wife Jan, and two sons, Cam and Chris, he is also survived by his 5 loving grandchildren, Riley (8), Mason (8) Beau (6), Maddie (6) and Nora (3). He will always be known to his grandchildren as "Papa," which was also the affectionate nickname given to his own father. Joe's passing follows the earlier death of his parents, Joseph and Elsie; and his sister, Diane Wilbur.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Christopher's Church in Chatham, MA at 11am on June 27, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made "In Memory of Joseph Roller" at Salvationarmyma.org/Hyannis (Donations directed to Canton MA Divisional Headquarters) or send locally to: The Salvation Army, 100 North Street, P.O. Box 369, Hyannis, MA 02601.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH ROLLER
Phil Corrinet
June 11, 2025
We missed Joe at our 55th Colgate reunion. He was well liked and respected
Marie
June 15, 2023
I remember Joe as a perfect gentleman whether on the QCCC golf course or in club house. We have lost a wonderful man but not the wonderful memories of his gallant behavior.
Phil Corrinet
September 15, 2022
Joe was my roommate at Colgate freshman year. He was also president of our fraternity. He will be missed. Phil Corrinet colgate class of 70
Lisa McColgan
June 29, 2022
I was so sorry to learn of Joe's passing. I always enjoyed speaking with him at Huntington events. I know how instrumental he was in getting the Calderwood Pavilion built. My thoughts are with Jan and the family.
Barry and Sheila Karp
June 27, 2022
so sorry to hear about Joe's passing , thinking of you and your family.
Rodriguez Family
June 27, 2022
Our deepest condolences.
Gordon &Barbara Sulcer
June 27, 2022
Jan
Our heartfelt sympathies on your loss of your beloved Joe
From all the Sulcer´s who go back 65 years with your family May he Rest In Peace
Gordy & Barb
Nora Flugger
June 25, 2022
Dearest Jan, Chris and Cameron - There are no words to express our broken hearts. Michael and I shared many happy times together with all of you. Movies at the Dennis Playhouse and the Orpheum theater which we helped rebuild and reopen. And we appreciated when your parents drove down from Chatham to attend Matthew and Tara´s wedding in Bklyn. It was a black tie event and Joe washed his black socks and put them on the roof of his car to dry before leaving Chatham. Arriving at the hotel in Manhattan, he soon realized his socks hadn´t made the trip. While he searched Manhattan for another pair, Jan was dealing with a fire in their hotel room when she plugged in the air conditioner. Matt and Tara will be married 18 years next month. It seems so long ago. We´ll miss his warmth , his humor and his blue eyes.
Nora Flugger
Judy & Dave Knauer
June 23, 2022
Jan, Chris and Cam,
We are so saddened to learn of Joe´s sudden and much too soon passing. We keep you and all your families in our thoughts at this very sad time and in the days to come. Love, Judy and Dave
Michele Talbot
June 22, 2022
I'll always remember meeting with Joe in my first week as a Cambridge Trust colleague. His calm, welcoming and kind demeanor immediately put me at ease. My heartfelt condolences to Joe's family.
Dan Aubel
June 22, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Joe's passing and sympathy to Jan and the extended family. Joe was a football teammate of mine back at Millburn High School and was a born leader who believed in 'team' and integrity. His work ethic rubbed off on all of us, and his personality made it easy to associate with him. I knew Jan from her cheerleading days, when she cheered just as hard for us lowly freshmen and then we all sang Roy Orbison tunes on the bus trips back to MJHS (at that time). In High School the songs continued. Joe was a great example of how leaders could be. Once again, I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.
John and Rina Walsh
June 22, 2022
Dearest Jan,
Such very sad news! Our hearts break for the entire Roller family! We hope you find peace in knowing Joe was so very loved! He will be sorely missed by his Naples friends!
Brent Barth
June 22, 2022
I am very saddened upon hearing of Joe's passing. It was my privilege to have Joe as my teammate on Millburn's 1964 State Champion football team. Joe was a key member of our very stingy defense. I will always remember his constant smile, his upbeat personality and his personal warmth. My sincere condolences to Jan and the family. May God bless you all and be with you now and always.
Joanne and John Cavan
June 22, 2022
We are saddened to hear this news. Jan, our hearts go out to you and your family. We have such fond memories of you and Joe, through High School and later in Berkeley Heights.
Harwood Soul
June 21, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Roller family. I worked at Cambridge Trust with Joe for 10 years. He was truly the best "boss" I ever had. His influence will remain with me for the rest of my life. Joe will truly be missed by all
Charles Samour
June 20, 2022
Jan and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was wonderful to work for at Cambridge Trust as he was such a thoughtful and caring person. He valued your opinion and was very successful at building a team. We have lost a true 'general manager', but we're a better team because of Joe.
Glenn E Dawson
June 20, 2022
Joe, you are one of the best and you will be truly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know you. May you rest in eternal peace.
Bill Trail
June 20, 2022
You will be sorely missed by all.
Michael Flugger
June 20, 2022
Joe was a fine man. We had many enjoyable moments together playing golf and many interesting conversations. I'm so sorry for your loss. He'll be deeply missed.
Helen VanNostrand
June 19, 2022
If you are fortunate enough to meet a warm caring person with a great sense of humor, consider yourself lucky. I consider myself one of those lucky people when I crossed paths with Joe at at BayBank and later at Cambridge Trust. Joe was loved by all because of his ability to make everyone feel that their work and opinions were valued.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and the family during these sad times.
Helen VanNostrand
Jay (and Sra)
June 19, 2022
Jan: so sad to learn this news. Sara and I always have felt a special closeness to you and Joe. And I recall so fondly my recent round of golf with Joe and his buddies. A friend, mentor and giant, Joe will be missed. Many of us are so much better bc of our friendship with and exposure to him. I personally will do my best to carry forward the leadership characteristics he quietly shared through the way he carried himself. Thinking of you and family.
Robert M Prager
June 19, 2022
I worked with Joe at Cambridge Trust for 12 years. Joe was always kind
and warm with a beautiful smile every day.
Joe was my favorite boss ever.
I will miss you!!!´
Robert Prager
Joe Barrell
June 19, 2022
Joe was one of the best. A true super star. We worked on many challenges while he was at Cambridge Trust and he always had the solutions.
The greatest.
Joe Barrell
Gordy & Barbara Sulcer
June 18, 2022
Heartfelt wishes and sincere condolences on your loss
From old friends way back when
Gordy & Barbara
Krissy
June 17, 2022
I´ll miss you always- my fantastic, Uber supportive and encouraging uncle.
Michael Sullivan
June 17, 2022
To the Roller Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Joe and counting him as a friend.
His work at the bank and on many Cambridge boards and non profits had a tremendous impact. He touched many lives and truly made a difference.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michael Sullivan
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