Roger O Paquette

Roger O. Paquette, 76, of Hampton died peacefully at home on June 23, 2012 surrounded by his family. He had been a resident of Hampton and Deerfield Beach, FL for the past 10 years, and was formerly from Manchester.

Born in Manchester on February, 19, 1936, he was the son of Emile and Florida (Martineau) Paquette. He attended Manchester Schools and was a graduate of St. Anthony High School class of 1954. He attended The University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire College (currently Southern New Hampshire University). In high school, Roger was a standout athlete having been named to the All-State Football team for three years and was picked for the All-State Baseball team as a senior. He played college football at the University of New Hampshire before returning to Manchester to coach the Bishop Bradley football team from 1962-1963. In 1992, Roger was inducted into the Trinity High School Athletic Hall of Fame for these many honors.

Roger was involved in coaching many youth sports including the Manchester East Blue Devils Pop Warner Football team from 1973-1982 which included a pair of state championship teams in 1975 and 1981. In addition, he coached for the Manchester East Little League, Bedford American Legion Baseball, Colt League Baseball and Manchester Girls Softball League. In his retirement years, he spent many happy hours on the golf course with dear friends and family. Roger served as a radio operator in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Korea. He retired from the Public Service Company of NH General Construction and Maintenance Division in 1993 having worked there for 26 years. He was also a member of the League of One Thousand Men of Precious Blood Monastery.

He was a talented mason, carpenter and handyman, having displayed his craft in many families and friends' homes. Roger was an avid New England sports fan, especially the New England Patriots having been a season ticket holder for over 25 years. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. "Rog" especially enjoyed family gatherings and was typically found mastering the grill. He will be deeply missed and affectionately remembered as a wonderful coach, mentor, friend and golf partner. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched with his kind and generous ways.

He is survived by Annette (Loiselle) Paquette, his wife of 52 years; his son, David D. Paquette and wife EJ of Portsmouth; two daughters, Cheryl Keller and husband Dave of Bedford; and Lisa Davidson and husband John of Salisbury, MA. Roger also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: William, Emilyann, and Krystyna Keller, Cameron and Devon Paquette; three brothers: Maurice, Donald & Paul; many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester on Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony Church, 172 Belmont Street, Manchester on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Augustin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. For more information or to view an on-line Tribute, go to www.phaneuf.net