Joseph Wayne Roberge

Joseph Wayne Roberge, 77, of Grand Isle, VT, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 3, 1948, in Burlington, VT, Wayne, as he was best known, was the beloved husband of Blanche for 37 years and a caring father to his daughters, Taunia, Monica, Erica, and Theresa.

Wayne devoted 37 years to the US Air Force and Vermont Air National Guard. He proudly served for the Honor Guard Firing Element of the 158th Fighter group, completing his tenure, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant.

In addition to his career in the military, Wayne was committed to his sobriety for 46 years with grateful support through AA and took pride in sponsoring those working towards their own recovery. Wayne was an avid hunter, fisherman, and true jack of all trades. He was particularly proud of his time chartering his boat Smokey Joe, offering enjoyment on the lake to others, as he so cherished. Wayne took special pleasure in custom building their family home as well as many beautiful furniture pieces and special keepsakes for each of his grandchildren. In addition to his personal hobbies, Wayne particularly treasured the memories created taking cruises, traveling to Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, summer camping trips and time spent with his family. One of his favorite past times was preparing his famous venison jerky for his daughters and grandchildren. Not a Christmas would go by where he was not busy in the kitchen creating magic, just to see their excitement when he delivered them each their own special package.

Wayne's loving spirit is carried by his wife, Blanche (Brown); their daughters, Taunia Blanchette (Alan Hebert), Monica Roberge, Erica Sawabini (Issa) and Theresa Lewber (Chad). In addition to his wife and children, Wayne is survived by his brother James Roberge (Sandi) of Hinesburg, VT, his sister, Catherine Timmins (Michael) of Oakland, ME; siblings-in-law Rose Millette of Milton, VT, Leon Brown (Jane) of So. Burlington, VT and Spring Hill, FL; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren as well as an extended family and several close friends, he considered brothers.

Preceding him in peace were his parents, Joseph & Geraldine (Barnes) Roberge, his sister, Annemarie Gebo and his brother, Phillip Roberge.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd from 4-6 p.m. at Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, September 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 185 US-2, Grand Isle, VT. To honor Wayne's unwavering commitment to our nation's defense, interment with full military honors will take place immediately following at 1 p.m. at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road, Randolph Center, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services.