Theo A. "Ted" Roe

Theo A Roe, "Ted," 72, of Boxborough, MA, passed away on January 11th, 2024 in the loving care and company of his family after a long illness with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on January 19th, 1951 in Big Rapids, Michigan. He grew up in Mecosta, Michigan, graduated from Chippewa Hills High School, and graduated from Michigan State University with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1972. He then married Gloria (Guild) that August, and moved to Boxborough, Massachusetts where they started their 51 years together. Ted began his career at Raytheon for 10 years as an Engineer in the Missile Systems Division. He then went on to work for MIT Lincoln Labs in Lexington, MA for 33 years as a Technical Staff/Project Lead on various programs.
Ted was very involved with the Boxborough UCC church including singing tenor in the choir, various positions in the church, numerous projects/programs, youth advisor for 20 years, and later managed the sound system/instruments of the church. Music was an important part of his life, beginning with playing cello in high school, then later the guitar with the Sunshine singing group as well as singing with the Sounds of Peace Hospice Choir. He also played the fife as a Boxborough Minuteman. He loved the outdoors - hiking, camping, duck and pheasant hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and playing golf. He was very handy in making and/or fixing things in creative ways. He especially liked spending time on Grenadier Island on Lake Ontario, and Bear Spring Camps on Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine every year. He also traveled to various places around the world, like New Zealand, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Austria, and Germany; especially to visit family in Michigan and Montana as well as friends in Alaska. Ted especially loved spending time with his two grandsons, including teaching them how to fish.
Ted will be forever deeply missed and fondly remembered by his wife Gloria (Guild) Roe of Boxborough, MA; his daughter Felise Roe, husband Nick Pennella, and grandsons Theo & Wesley Pennella of Westford, MA; brother David Roe and wife Tessie of Florida; nephew Tyler Roe (Brooke), great niece Mackenzie, great nephew, Chase of Michigan; niece Sarah Bolen (Padric) of Michigan; niece Teresa Nelson (Scott) of Florida; niece Dyesebel (Gigi) Holm (Tim) of Florida; and other great nieces and nephews.
Ted is preceded in death by his mother Margaret (Wilkinson) Mendenhall, and brothers Keith and Kevin Roe.
His family is very grateful for the care provided by Bridges by EPOCH at Westford who supported him with care through his last year with Alzheimer's, and also Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln for their compassionate care through his final days.
Calling hours will be Friday, January 26th from 4-6pm at Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave – Rte 111, Acton, MA. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 27th at 11am, followed by a reception until 2pm at the UCC Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA. The service will be available online via Zoom. Go to https://www.boxboroughucc.org/events-calendar/ to access this information.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
UCC Boxborough https://www.boxboroughucc.org/giving/
Alzheimer's Research Foundation https://www.alzheimersresearchfoundation.com/make-a-donation/,
Alzheimer's Association/AIM website https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/advocate/research-funding,