Roger Bastarache

In Loving Memory of Roger Bastarache
March 23, 1938 – October 24, 2025
Roger Bastarache, age 87, of Somersville, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Somersville, Roger was the son of the late Alice (Bourque) and Tilman Bastarache, who emigrated from New Brunswick, Canada, and worked in the Somersville Woolen Mill. He was predeceased by his sisters Leatrice Niemann (wife to Bill Niemann) and Jean Hutton, (Wife of Dick Hutton), and is survived by his brother Laurie and his wife Elaine, and sisters Irma Krasinski and her husband Benny, and Frances Fortini, and her late husband Norman.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Roger married his wife, Marie, and together they raised three children: Janene, Kevin, and Rechele. A skilled carpenter and craftsman, Roger later worked for Hamilton Standard for 25 years, where he was admired for his dedication and commitment to excellence.
Outside of work, Roger loved camping, hunting, and fishing across New England, and cherished the friendships he made along the way. After retiring, he cared for his parents in their later years and took great joy in helping his children with their projects and adventures.
After retiring, Roger served with the Knights of Columbus in Somers and later as Permitee, where he loved managing the bar, cooking, sharing stories, and helping run a local meal delivery service. He also enjoyed lending a hand to local farmers in Somers and East Windsor, spending mornings plowing and harrowing fields or driving trucks.
He is survived by his children, Janene (Bastarache) Bernier and her husband Michael, and Kevin and Rechele Bastarache. He was a proud grandfather to Gabrielle (Bernier) Guertin and her husband Josh, Maria Bernier and her fiance Jake McEntire, and Olivia Bernier; and a new addition, his great-grandson, Nathanael Guertin. His humility, generosity, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He enjoyed simple pleasures - hunting and fishing trips with friends, cheering on the Boston Red Sox and UConn women's basketball, and sharing a cold beer with friends after a hard day's work.
Those who knew Roger will remember him as a humble, honest, and loyal man - a proud father, grandfather, and loyal friend whose legacy of kindness and hard work lives on through his family and the many lives he touched.
Services will be private, and Roger will be laid to rest in Somers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity or organization in Roger's memory.
For online condolences, please visit www.somersfuneralhome.com.