Roger Arsene Rondeau, 92, of Franklin, MA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 11, 2023. He was the husband of Barbara (Nasuti) Rondeau for 66 years and a lifelong resident of Franklin.
Roger was born on Grove Street in Franklin to Arsene and Mary (Boucier) Rondeau. He was the youngest of six children and was predeceased by his brothers Arthur, Marcel, Robert and his sisters Germaine and Teresa.
Born on November 24, 1930, he was educated in the Franklin school system and graduated from Franklin High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force following graduation and was stationed in Mississippi and California, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a control tower operator and was incredibly proud of his service from 1949-1953.
Following discharge from the Air Force, he enrolled in school at UMass Amherst and received his degree in 1958, majoring in Environmental Science. He was employed by the state of Massachusetts for 30 years as Deputy Director of Environmental Affairs. Roger served on several committees as chairman, specifically as the sponsor of Clean Water Regulation, Water Supply and Remediation. Roger also taught courses in water management at several Boston area colleges, including MIT and Lowell Tech.
Following his retirement from the state, Roger worked as a partner in Lincoln-Mill Engineering, developing several subdivisions in the Franklin area, as well as helping design water and septic disposal systems for various towns and developers.
Roger served as Chairman for the Franklin Conservation Committee for many years and was also a part-time engineer for roads in the Town of Franklin. He was a long-time member of the Planning Board as well as a member of the police station design committee in Franklin. He was also on the Beaver Pond Chilson Beach Committee and the Charter Committee of Franklin, MA.
Roger married his wife, Barbara, in September 1956. They remained in Franklin, raising their 6 children, as well as 11 grandchildren.
Roger is survived by many loving family members: his son Keith and his wife Joann of Seekonk, MA; his son Douglas and his wife Patricia, of Isle la Motte, VT; his son John and his wife Jill of Franklin, MA; his daughter Cynthia Sarapas and her husband Peter, of Dennis, MA; his daughter Marybeth Byrne and her husband James, of Franklin, MA; and his son Gregory and his wife Susan, of Franklin MA.
Roger is also survived by his grandchildren Nicholas and Christina Rondeau, Jacqui and Vicki (John Vogel) Rondeau, Ali (Thomas D’Aguiar) Rondeau, Zachary and Kendall Sarapas, Montana and Zane Byrne, and Carly and Sadie Rondeau.
Roger was an avid reader, historian, and frequent patron of the Black Cow ice cream shop in Millis. He enjoyed traveling with Barbara to Europe, including several trips to Italy, Germany, England, and Switzerland. He was most happy being surrounded by his family and friends while at his home.
Roger’s family would like to thank The Blaire House in Milford for their excellent care and service during his illness.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Saturday June 17th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 10AM.
Burial with military honors will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Friday from 4-7PM.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Franklin Municipal Veterans’ Assistance Fund, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038.