87, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2017 after a heroic fight with dementia. Roy was born on November 6, 1929 in Winona, MN to Lillian L. Bath and Earl J. Roetzler. He has resided in Lincoln, RI for 59 years in his handcrafted home with his wife Beatrice Roetzler.
Roy was passionate about life. He truly embodied the Greatest Generation pursuit of excellence. He gave his time and talents lovingly and generously to his country, family and friends. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in May, 1948. He proudly enlisted in the US Navy in March 1949 and served as an Engineman aboard the USS Huse (DE-145). He actively participated in annual restoration work projects to keep the ships memories alive. During his 34 year career in the Engineering Department at GTE, formerly Corning Glass Works, Roy continued to pursue many advanced degree courses at Bryant College, RISD and Brown University in machine design and engineering.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister June C. Bohn and brothers Neal Roetzler and Roger Sutter. He is survived by the love of his life, Beatrice Roetzler. They married on April 11, 1953. He is also survived by his two daughters, Carol A. Roetzler, Donna L. Austin (Roetzler); four grandchildren Kelli L. (Chris) Robidou, Kyle S. Harris, Elwin F. Austin and Katelyn M. Austin; his great-granddaughter Sophia L. Robidou; his sister, Karon (Dan) Moore of Charlotte, N.C; nieces, nephews and many caring friends in Rhode Island.
Heartfelt appreciation is extended by the family to Bayberry Commons and Kindred Hospice for their compassion and respect during Roy's brief journey. Roy, we will miss keeping up with your boundless energy.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Saturday, March 4th at 9:30am at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. Burial will follow in R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 2nd from 4 - 7pm at the Keefe Funeral Home.
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87, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2017 after a heroic fight with dementia. Roy was born on November 6, 1929 in Winona, MN to Lillian L. Bath and Earl J. Roetzler. He has resided in Lincoln, RI for 59 years in his handcrafted home with his wife Beatrice Roetzler.
Roy was passionate about life. He truly embodied the Greatest Generation pursuit of excellence. He gave his time and talents lovingly and generously to his country, family and friends. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in May, 1948. He proudly enlisted in the US Navy in March 1949 and served as an Engineman aboard the USS Huse (DE-145). He actively participated in annual restoration work projects to keep the ships memories alive. During his 34 year career in the Engineering Department at GTE, formerly Corning Glass Works, Roy continued to pursue many advanced degree courses at Bryant College, RISD and Brown University in machine design and engineering.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister June C. Bohn and brothers Neal Roetzler and Roger Sutter. He is survived by the love of his life, Beatrice Roetzler. They married on April 11, 1953. He is also survived by his two daughters, Carol A. Roetzler, Donna L. Austin (Roetzler); four grandchildren Kelli L. (Chris) Robidou, Kyle S. Harris, Elwin F. Austin and Katelyn M. Austin; his great-granddaughter Sophia L. Robidou; his sister, Karon (Dan) Moore of Charlotte, N.C; nieces, nephews and many caring friends in Rhode Island.
Heartfelt appreciation is extended by the family to Bayberry Commons and Kindred Hospice for their compassion and respect during Roy's brief journey. Roy, we will miss keeping up with your boundless energy.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Saturday, March 4th at 9:30am at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. Burial will follow in R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 2nd from 4 - 7pm at the Keefe Funeral Home.
