Roger V. Bourdeau ’72

Roger V. Bourdeau, 64, of Thompson, CT, died peacefully on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at the UMass Memorial Healthcare. He was the loving husband of Paula (McQueen) Bourdeau. Born in Ware, MA, he was the son of the late Robert and Josephine (Lorence) Bourdeau.
Roger worked in sales for several businesses including Safety-Kleen, R. Sparrow Hicks, Loomis Real Estate, and Lundgren Honda. Roger loved listening to and playing music. He enjoyed singing, collecting records and played a variety of instruments. Roger was a truly dedicated family man who loved going on road trips and cherished spending time with his wife, his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Roger is survived by his children, Jessica Aguilar (Omar) of Anahiem, CA, Christopher Bourdeau (Lorena) of Huntington Beach, CA, and Matthew Bourdeau (Alyssa) of Boston, MA; two sisters Diane Arnesen of Hampden, MA, and Joan Callanan of Pasadena, CA; two beautiful grandchildren, Declan and Penelope. He was predeceased by his late brother Richard Bourdeau.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Roger’s family from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 5, 2019 in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT.

3 thoughts on “Roger V. Bourdeau ’72”

  1. My deep sadness at Roger’s passing is tempered by fond memories of our time as classmates. I have especially strong recollections of Roger as a member of the Caterwaulers. He was without equal as a singer, a marvellous tenor whose solos were a highlight of every concert. His lead in “September Song” was haunting and left listeners misty-eyed. More importantly, he was a kind and unassuming friend, a guy who made all those around him better people. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. I recall Roger Bourdereau for the photo and the name. The photo is from our year-book and the name… well, I always presumed it was French Canadian, as was mine. Roger, as I recall, was a good fellow and never got into any trouble. Except perhaps when he encouraged a fellow classmate to jump from a window for their class photo, which was rather creative but led to some unfortunate consequences. But we were all learning back then and the school understood. I don’t think there were any punishments except a week’s worth of regret from the other student. Roger, overall, was well liked. He was cheerful company during chat sessions (the personal kind – not through devices) – or romps in the woods, and always had something intelligent to say. Which of the same classes or sporting teams we shared I don’t recall. But certainly I remember him as a worthy and likable person on our campus.

  3. Remember Roger having a great voice. He was always a great guy to talk to. We had a love of music in common. As I remember him a person who made everyone around him feel at ease.

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