Roger F. Lynam

Roger Francis Lynam, 78, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 2, 2025, in Burlington, VT. Roger was born on February 18, 1947, in New York, NY, the first son of Robert and Madeline (Nagle) Lynam. He graduated from Staples High School in Westport, CT in 1965 and later earned a BA from UCONN and a master's degree from UVM. He married Gloria (Gerber) in 1974, and together they moved to VT in 1976. The following year they bought a home in the town of Brandon where they settled and raised two sons, Kevin and Brian.
Roger's career was working in early childhood education, with a focus on special needs. He was a dedicated advocate for a vulnerable population and took great pride in his work as an educator and the relationships formed with their families. Always a man of high integrity, he had a kind gentle presence, was inclusive and made others feel valued and welcome.
Roger was a curious man, with a robust appetite for reading a wide range of literature. He naturally had a great vocabulary and understood the power of words. A clever poet who wrote daily in a journal and kept track of all his thoughts and activities. He always made time for mediation and spiritual reflection. He also loved his comic books, a passion that began during his two years of service in the US Army.
Music was another area of interest for Roger, owning an eclectic record collection spanning across many genres. He was knowledgeable on the origins of blues, jazz, folk, classical, and old-time rock and roll. Roger wrote and recorded two albums of original material: Finally (1997) and Holy Crow (2004). He loved to sing, play fiddle, guitar, and harmonica. He was the lead singer of the Brandon-based band The Sleeping Dogs for many years. A group of close friends that created a popular following, they helped establish a night life community in Brandon and were a local favorite. In later years, he continued to gather with friends to bond and play music together. He also inspired both of his sons at an early age to become musicians and supported both of their individual styles and creative endeavors.
Roger was an avid sports fan who loved to watch football, baseball and basketball. He enjoyed routing for his New England teams and followed them loyally. He was a coach for T ball and little league at Neshobe school while his boys were growing up. Many summers were spent playing baseball in his backyard, and he even had a basketball court installed so his boys could have pickup games with the neighborhood kids. Roger loved being out in nature, in the woods, and discovering old stone walls. Kayaking with friends on the area lakes, was another pleasure.
Roger was an introspective and reflective man who enjoyed his solitude as much as he did socializing and spending time with friends, his sons, and the local community. He was often seen walking his dog Lucky around town and would always make time to stop and catch up with neighbors and check out the local library. He loved his home in Brandon, cultivating his vegetable garden and planting trees throughout the property. He shared his magical yard with family and friends, hosting volleyball gatherings, weekend basketball matches, campfires, and endless creativity and adventures with his sons. Roger will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Truly one of a kind and a gem of a man.
Roger was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his son Kevin and fiancée Keri; son Brian and fiancée Nicole; sister Mary Eschen and husband John; sister Madeline Revere; brother Robert and wife Kathleen; brother William and wife Jody; along with several nieces and nephews and their children. A celebration of life for Roger will be held at the Brandon town hall on May 4th. As he wrote in the liner notes for "Holy Crow": "We will meet again."
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com