Roger Leo Chevalier, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at his home following a brief illness. Roger was the widower of Loretta May (Reynolds) Chevalier. Roger and Loretta shared 70 years of marriage together.
Born in New Bedford, Roger was the youngest son of Henry and Rose (Armstrong) Chevalier, and was predeceased by his seven siblings.
He graduated from New Bedford High School and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. Roger was always pleased to say that he served part of his Naval duty in Bermuda, where his daughter, Pamela was born.
After serving his country, Roger worked at various occupations in the city, eventually joining the New Bedford Police Department where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He retired from the North End station after 34 years of service to the city.
Roger was a devout Catholic, and a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.
A lifelong baseball fan, Roger was a star pitcher for the local St. Joseph's baseball team during his younger years. He was an active member of the Panther's Club, and formerly an active member of Private A. Poirier Post # 3260 and the 6th Bristol Club.
Following the passing of his dear wife Loretta last year, Roger came to relish daily phone calls from his daughter, Sunday dinners at his son and daughter-in-law's home, and Friday afternoon meetings with his nephew Dennis Pelletier and grandnephew Philip Pelletier.
Roger is survived by his daughter, Pamela Higgins and her husband Patrick of Newport News, Virginia; his son, Donald Chevalier and his wife Laura of Fairhaven; his four grandchildren, Aimee Chevalier and her partner Kevin Madruga of Providence, RI, Thomas Chevalier and his wife Erica of Acushnet, Jonathan Beaulieu and his wife Kelsey of North Anson, ME, and Scott Beaulieu and his wife Erin of Berwick, ME. Roger also treasured time spent with his two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Julianna Chevalier.
His funeral will be held Monday, October 25, 2021 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, formerly St. Mary's Church, in New Bedford at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 3-6 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.