Marlborough – It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our dad, Leon Joseph Roberge Sr. who died peacefully Friday December 8th.
Leon was born in Manhattan, NY, the son of the late Alfred and Helen (Dante) Roberge. He served in the Massachusetts National Guard as a second lieutenant.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Judy M (Adams) Roberge of Marlborough, and nine children, Nan Cates and her husband Peter of NH, Lee Ann Dalessandro and her husband Rick of ME, Ginette Fogg of ME, Gary Roberge of W. Boylston, Daniel Roberge of MA, Carla Gill of ME, Michelle Hagl of CT, Leon Roberge Jr. and his wife Cindy of Marlborough, Nanette Bilodeau, and her partner Lance Persson of ME, 19 Grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law, Sue Burhoe of NH.
Leon was predeceased by his son Jon Burhoe in 2014 and son-in-law Stephen Bilodeau in 2018, along with his brother Alfred Roberge Jr in 2022.
In 1950, Leon’s love of the culinary arts began at the Sea Cliff Inn on Nantucket Island, he became a loyal member of The American Culinary Federation since early 1970’s and was an ice sculptor and member of the national ice carving association, later becoming a certified judge and a member of the Boston Epicurean Club. Carving ice with his mentor and friend Steve Rose during First night festivities in Boston was his passion and what he loved doing the most. Together with his friends and colleagues Leon supported the “Annual Marlborough evening of giving and worked at many events for the American Academy of Chefs and Epicurean Club of Boston.
Later in his life Leon spent his days raising red golden pheasants, collecting rare cookbooks, researching the Family Tree, and spending time with his wife Judy and their nineteen grandchildren.
Leon was considered a resolute and supportive husband, dad, and beloved family member. He is the official custodian of all tangled fishing lines and helps you with anything and everything. All he had to hear was a whisper that there was a project somewhere large or small.
His family wishes to continue his legacy through others to inspire kindness and compassion in all who knew him.
Leon was known for his thoughtful acts of kindness and boundless generosity. His life was dedicated to his family and was always putting their needs before anyone else. This was also true for his positive spirit and passion to help others, including everyone he encountered.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5-8 pm in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home at 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, December 16, at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Parish, 11 Prospect St, Marlborough followed by his burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to Framingham Heart Study – Research.
