Roger John Robitaille, 57, of New Bedford passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 19, 2003 at St. Luke's Hospital after sustaining a tragic accident at home. He was born in Acushnet, the son of Lorraine C. (Martel) Robitaille of Marion and the late Roger Joseph Robitaille. He was married to Lynette (Tougas) Robitaille, with whom he celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary on October 5, 2003.
Roger graduated from Holy Family High School in 1964 and from Bridgewater State College where he received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Mr. Robitaille also received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy Reserves. His love of education began his teaching career at St. Mary's School in New Bedford where he was active in the CYO basketball league. He accepted a position with the New Bedford Public Schools in 1971, beginning as a classroom teacher. He will be well remembered for his involvement with the Educational Media and Technology Department as well as his love of WIMC-TV and his role as interim station manager of New Bedford Cable Access TV. In August of 2002, Roger was appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Special Operations for New Bedford Public Schools. His last major project, of which he was very proud, was the completion of the new Normandin Middle School, which opened this September.
Roger was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Providence College Friars basketball team for whom his daughter Nicole cheers. Friends and family played a major role in his life. Known as Santa Claus to family and friends at the holidays, he kept that persona throughout the year. His unique rendition of "Blood on the Saddle" will always be remembered by those who knew him best.
In addition to his spouse and mother, he is survived by his three children, Melissa Robitaille, Matthew Robitaille and his fiancée Meghan Porter, Nicole Robitaille, all of New Bedford, his brother Victor Robitaille and his wife Brenda of New Bedford, his sister Anne Firth and her husband Bob of Marstons Mills, his in-laws Roger and Yvette (Monuteaux) Tougas of Dartmouth and Fort Lauderdale, his sister-in-law Deborah (Tougas) Vieira of New Bedford, and his brother-in-law Gregory Tougas and his wife Cindi of Dartmouth. He also leaves behind many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordWednesday, October 22nd at 8:45 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 AM, due to renovations at Holy Name Church.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Tuesday 2-8 PM.
Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Please omit flowers In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, for Breast Cancer Research, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.