Maynard – We are sadly sharing the passing of Roger Earl Gay, 95, of Maynard on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Roger was born and raised in Hudson, MA.
He had a strong work ethic and had an adventurous personality, making friends wherever he went. Roger loved his wife and family deeply and cherished every friend he made along the way.
During World War II in 1943 at the age of 15 he enlisted in the Merchant Marine. He served as an electrician for the U.S. Army, Military Sea Transport, sailing on troop ships.
After his service in World War II, he attended Proctor Academy, Andover, NH. and then St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY. While at St. Lawrence he volunteered for another three years of service in the Army in the Korean War completing his service as Staff Sergeant.
After completing his service, he worked with his father and brother, Frank, for Earl W. Gay and Sons, Refrigeration Consultants and later he was the Plant Engineer for Hendries Refrigerated Storage Center in Southborough. Roger also had a keen sense of entrepreneurship operating two businesses during his career the Maynard Dry Cleaners and Laundry and the Maynard Multi Service.
Roger spent many winters on Caye Caulker, Belize, Central America fishing. In his later years he enjoyed his boat, the Shyessa with his great friends, Nick Messenesse and Fred Hadstat as well as his son, Christopher enjoying Spring and Fall fishing off Gloucester and mid-season around Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
He leaves his loving wife of 68 years, Jeanne (Courtemanche), ,his daughter Elisabeth Drury and her husband Jay of Maynard, his son, Christopher, and his companion Tracey Lyon of Ayer and his grandsons Timothy of Hudson and Zachary of Maynard. His beloved daughter, Linda Lewandowski, wife of Mark Lewandowski of Bolton predeceased him in April 2016,.and Zachary and Timothy’s Mother, Maureen Clancy. of Clinton, Roger’s siblings, Lois, who lived in Colorado most of her life and Frank, who lived in Florida. Both happily ended their lives with family and friends in Hudson.
A graveside service for Roger will be held at a later date.
