Roger W. Breeze, Jr.
Roger W. Breeze, Jr., 73, of Bolton, Mass. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thu., Dec. 31, 2020.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Leslie (Farr) Breeze; their sons and spouses: Timothy Breeze & Rebecca of Milton; Peter Breeze & Eileen of Northborough; and the late Jeffrey Breeze; and three adoring grandchildren: Tommy, Maggie, and Declan. He leaves his siblings: Robert Breeze & wife Karen of Lyndonville, NY; Kathy Gallo of Vestal, NY; and Barbara Siebert of Morton, NY; nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends.
Born and raised in Lyndonville, NY, Roger was the eldest child of the late Roger & Evalena (Clark) Breeze. He graduated from the L.A. Weber High School, class of 1965, where he excelled as a student athlete and member of the varsity football and wrestling teams. While achieving his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson College of Technology, Roger met his soulmate and future wife Leslie Farr. Following marriage, the couple lived in Columbia, Maryland, where Roger worked in sales for General Electric for the next nine years.
The Breeze family would relocate to settle permanently in Bolton after Roger accepted a position in sales with Honeywell, from where he would ultimately retire after more than thirty years. In Bolton, Roger would immerse himself as an active member of his community, serving in various capacities, notably as a coach for youth soccer, member of the Cemetery Committee, long-time coordinator for the Bolton Fair Lumberjack Contest, and guest columnist for the Bolton Independent. He proudly helped to establish Nashoba Youth Wrestling and coached the inaugural season and several thereafter. Well known for his knowledge of town history, he hosted “Wednesdays with Roger” at the Bolton Library, an open, drop-in conversation group that shared and often debated memories of past and current civic events and figures.
A dedicated board member of the Bolton Historical Society, Roger was instrumental in establishing the historical homes tour, and served as narrator of the West Cemetery tour. He was a man of great faith and devout member of the First Parish of Bolton, serving as Deacon, member of the Finance Committee and Couples Club, and distinguished baritone of the church choir. With a decades long passion for research and genealogy, Roger recently confirmed his family’s direct path to the Mayflower. He enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe and also had a passion for classic cars as the proud owner of a 1969 Pontiac GTO. Roger’s greatest enjoyment was family, whether proudly cheering on his children and grandchildren at all of their sports games and special events, or spending time together at the Long Island beach house. He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 8, 2021 in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. Guests are respectfully requested to observe appropriate social distancing and wear a mask while attending. A private funeral service will later be held in the First Parish of Bolton with burial to follow in South Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Roger W. Breeze, Jr. to: Bolton Historical Society, P.O. Box 211, Bolton, MA 01740, or to support the choir at First Parish of Bolton, 673 Main St., Bolton, MA 01740. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com
