Roger E. Lemire

Roger Eugene Lemire passed away from natural causes on Friday, October 10, 2025. Born in Taftville, CT on May 19, 1928, he was the son of the late Joseph R. Lemire and Marie Rose (Breault) Lemire. He and the love of his life, the late Geraldine Mary (Vigneau), were married on May 8, 1954. They started their married life together in Taftville and then moved to Baltic where they spent over 50 happy years. Their faith-filled marriage was blessed with 8 children, 3 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as 5 grands, 13 great grands, and 6 great-great grands by marriages of his children:
John Lemire (son) of Norwich
David Lemire (son - deceased) and wife Katharine Lemire, grandson Dana and wife Karissa, great-grandchildren Kaylee and Kelsey, all of Preston
Linda Lemire (daughter) of Norwich
Sister Mary Christopher (daughter) of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church, Baltic
Irene Cardinal (daughter) and husband Lawrence Cardinal (deceased) of Taftville; Desiree Lohr (granddaughter) and husband Donald with great-grandchildren Dominic, Noella, and Charlotte of North Stonington; and Angela Brunetti (granddaughter) and husband, Paul of Charlestown, Rhode Island. Also their numerous extended families through Melissa Baker (Jeremy) and Jason Cardinal (Stacy).
Richard Sam Lemire (son) of Norwich
Paul Lemire (son) and wife, Amy, of Marlborough, as well as her 3 children Ellen (Nick), Luke, and John (Michelle), and grandchildren.
Geraldine O'Callaghan (daughter) and husband, Thomas, of Baltic
Roger is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces, great nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his wife, Geraldine Mary, son David, son-in-law Larry Cardinal, and his brothers, sisters, and their spouses: Wilfred (Rita), Raymond (Madalyn), Doris Dugas, Theresa Doubleday, Mother Mary Anthony SCMC, and George (Claudette).
Roger grew up in Taftville, attending Sacred Heart School. He left school early to work in the textile mills. He was a member of the SHYMA Club and volunteer for the Taftville Fire Department.
He served in the Army and fought in the Korean War. He received medals for his dedicated service, including a Silver Star and a Bronze Star.
Early in his marriage he went to night school at Norwich Tech and studied draftsmanship and plumbing. He found employment at Electric Boat and became a silver brazer, where he worked for over 30 years, eventually teaching this trade to others.
Roger was a devout Catholic, and he drew on the strength of his Faith and the grace of God to live life fully each day. He was a hard-working man who gave his all to support his family in good, as well as tough times. More important than the financial support given his wife and children was the loving home he provided them. This was most evident in his 63 years of unending care for his "Good Buddy" Rick! All who know them both cannot deny the remarkable father and son bond they share.
The list of things he will be remembered for are too numerous to name. We would be remiss, however, if we did not mention sports, sports, and sports! We are sure he is still rooting for the Dodgers, Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and UConn basketball teams even now. He brought his competitive side to the forefront in games he loved to play with family and friends, whether it was outdoor games with his kids in younger days or a great card or dice game.
He loved the company of all his family - a picnic with his kids, brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends was worth more than anything to him. And ask his grandkids - they'd tell you that every Christmas was the best in his life "so far".
Who is he and what will he be remembered for after these 97 years - we can almost hear him saying it now - he'd like to be known as a man who loved God, his family, and his country.
And how will we all remember him... as an inspiration.
See you soon Dad, Bud, Grampa, Great Grampa, Uncle Roger, Champ, Buffalo, Tiger, Sport...
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Roger on October 18, 2025 at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Church in Baltic at 10 am, followed by burial at St. Mary's cemetery. A celebration of life will be at St. Michael's Center in Baltic afterwards.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Sacred Heart School in Taftville and / or St. Joseph's School in Baltic.