- Date Of Birth: February 24, 1937
- Date Of Death: January 30, 2016
- State: Connecticut
Roger Romeo Coulombe, 78, passed away at his home in Deep River surrounded by family and friends on January 30, 2016. Son of the late Joseph and Hermeline (Caron) Coulombe, he was also predeceased by brothers Raoul, Gerard, and Maurice.
Roger grew up on Cedar Street in Hartford, and then relocated with his family to New Britain. Roger attended New Britain Senior High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in New York City as a Military Police officer during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, Roger worked as a foreman at Rowland Products in Kensington and later in his career as a drug and alcoholism counselor, a calling that he gave his greatest dedication and energy to. He was always grateful for the opportunity to help those struggling with addiction. In his retirement, he delivered parts for NAPA where he made several special friends. Roger was a solid softball player, both in the left field and behind the plate as catcher. Golfing was another favorite pastime, as was fishing, which he enjoyed alongside his very close nephews Steven and Kenneth Frisk. His talent at playing pool was good enough to earn him the honor of racking balls for champion Willie Mosconi and to win the Connecticut State Championship. Roger was known for his open-fire cooking prowess at his Vermont camp, his wonderful comic turns and his penchant for mimicry. And he certainly knew how to carry a tune, as he broke into high registers like his idol, Jerry Vale. Always to be remembered is his love for his children, and memories of their laughing eyes, pillow fights and scrambled eggs on Sunday mornings. Roger is survived by his son, Matthew Derek Meredith and wife Amy, of West Hartford; his daughter, Maria Jean Coulombe, of Manchester; granddaughter Sarah Maier of Samoa, CA, and grandsons Matthew Steffano of Manchester and Nicholas Meredith of West Hartford. Also left to mourn him are his sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and Kenneth Frisk, sisters-in-law Terry and Beverly Coulombe, and numerous other relatives and friends. Special thanks go to Alanna Oldham, who supported and comforted him during his last days, as well as his good friend Jim Nash for his loyalty and friendship.
