Auburn- Roger R. Richer, 83, of Auburn, was stricken ill and died on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at Saint Vincent Hospital.

His beloved wife, Genevieve (Skonicki) Richer died in 1996.

Roger leaves his six children; Steven P. Richer of Millbury, R. David Richer and his wife Patricia of Dudley, Audray A. Quill of Chicago, IL, Dianne M. Benoit and her husband Craig of Auburn, Donna M. Sibley and her husband Paul of Auburn, and Janine I. Cobb and her husband Kevin of Worcester; his brother, Clifford P. Richer of Newport, NH; his sister, Annette M. Aubertin of Worcester; 15 grandchildren, Tina Wortmann and her husband Tom, Daniel Quill, Jennifer Cronin and her husband Brian, Matthew and Timothy Benoit, Todd, Ryan and Lauren Sibley, Devin, Cameron and Aidan Richer, Alyson and Eric Richer, Adam and Shayna Hipson. Roger also leaves five great grandchildren, Timmy and Tory Wortmann, Amber Quill, Shaelyn and Collin Cronin and many nephews and nieces, and his special companion, Claire Turcotte of Sterling. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Leon J. “Leo”Skonicki, with whom he lived and Thomas J. Skonicki of Florida. Roger was born in Worcester, son of the late Eldor J. and Irene G. (Latour) Richer and lived in Auburn for many years. He earned his degree in accounting from the Walton School of Commerce in Chicago. Roger was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving in Germany with the US Army's 28th Infantry Division, 658th Tank Battalion from 1951 thru 1953 as a Staff Sergeant. He also was a Sea Scout as a young man, and many years later returned to the water to take up sailing.

Roger was an Enrolled Agent for Fletcher, Tilton and Whipple in Worcester for many years. Previously, he worked for the former Smith Valve Corporation in Westborough. He also ran a small private tax practice for over 50 years.

Roger was involved with many organizations throughout his life. He was a faithful communicant of Saint Joseph’s Parish in Auburn, where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He was also a member and treasurer for 30 years of the Auburn Council, # 4158 Knights of Columbus and the John Cardinal Wright Assembly, 4th Degree. He was also a member of the Hiram O. Taylor Post, American Legion in Sterling, where Roger regularly played cards with his many friends. He also served as the treasurer of the Friends of the Auburn Senior Citizens Association and The Auburn Community Assistance Fund, and past treasurer of the Salisbury Singers. His professional affiliations included the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Public Accountants. Recently, Roger has been very involved as a member of the Worcester Model Railroaders. He excelled at creating many of the layouts and scenes and sets, setting up for many of the shows. He was also a talented dollhouse maker and gardener. Roger loved to travel, with both the Auburn Steppers and his family. He travelled much of this country and Europe, but he especially loved Ireland, where he was able to see several live opera performances with the Salisbury Singers. But, his favorite vacation spot was still Cape Cod and Onset Bay, where family vacations were always wonderful and special. He also enjoyed bowling, hiking, biking kayaking and a good game of cards. Above all, Roger's greatest joy was being with his family and extended family, with his ever present smile and countless stories, celebrating life every single day.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Roger’s family on Sunday, November 18th from 1-4 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Family will gather on Monday, November 19th at 9 AM at the funeral home before leaving in procession to Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street, Auburn, where the funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM. Burial will follow be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Worcester Central Lines (Worcester Model Railroaders) 137 Schofield Ave, Dudley, MA. 01570 or to the American Heart Association, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Affiliations