Roger K Gingras

GARDNER - Roger K. Gingras, of 17 Shore Road, Gardner, MA passed away at the age of 88 on July 25, 2013 at the Wachusett Manor Nursing Home with his family at his side. Born in Gardner September 25, 1924, he was the son of the late Euclid J. and Alma M. (Carlson) Gingras. A lifelong resident and active member of the community, Roger graduated GHS in 1941 where he excelled as a member of both the football and track teams. He later played semi-pro football with the Gardner Merchants. He joined the US Marine Corp in 1943 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent in 1947 after serving a tour in China during World War 2. Roger owned his own painting business until 1970 when, after earning his teaching certificate, he was employed by the City of Worcester, Boy’s Trade High School until his retirement in 1987. He was a lifelong member of the Gardner Fish & Gun Club and VFW Post 109. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and cutting wood. Following his retirement, he regularly donated his time and energy to helping build such City landmarks as Gardner’s ‘Up-Down-All Around’ playground, the Monument Park Bandstand, Gardner Police Station and area homes sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. In recognition of his lifetime of community involvement, he was once named the Binall Society ‘Man of the Year’. Roger shared 62 wonderful years with the love of his life, Theresa C. LaFosse from their marriage on May 1, 1948 until her death in September 2010. He leaves one brother, Francis C. Gingras, of Gardner, a sister-in-law, Barbara (Woodman) Gingras, of Gulf Shores Alabama; his children: David & Mary Jane Gingras of Harrisburg, PA and Robert & Ann Gingras of North Billerica; his grandchildren: David & Jennifer Gingras, Denise & Shawn McGough, Allen & Julie Gingras and Brian Gingras; his great-grandchildren: Alliane, Jessica & Michael Gingras, Connor & Tyler McGough and Alexis Gingras and many nieces/nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Gingras, of Gulf Shores Alabama. Calling hours begin at 10 am with service at Noon on Tuesday, July 30th from the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon Street, Gardner. Pastor Cote from the Faith Lutheran Church will preside.  Burial to follow at the Crystal Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Roger’s memory to Wachusett Manor Nursing Home - Activity Fund 32 Hospital Hill Road, Gardner, MA 01440. For more information or to send an online condolence, please visit:  www.mackfuneralhome.com Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner, MA, 01440 is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });