Chester E. Roaf

Northbridge/Formerly of Manchaug--Chester E. Roaf, 89, died Thursday, February 23, in the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.  He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Barbara L. (Dupuis) Roaf, in 2013 and his sister Virginia Roaf Bush, in 2010.  He is survived by two sons, C. Steven Roaf, and his wife, Carolyn, of Surry, VA and Warren H. Roaf, and his wife, Carol-Ann, of Bennington, VT; a daughter, Delia Mary Louise Parker, and her husband, Charles, of Roseville, CA; five grandchildren, Amanda, Karen, Steven, Josh and Chris; and a great grandson, Quinten. 

Mr. Roaf was born in Worcester, May 7, 1927.  He grew up on a farm at the bottom of Putnam Hill Road in Sutton and graduated from Worcester Boy's Trade School.  He went to work after graduation at the Whitin Machine Works where he worked as a machine operator and chauffeur for visiting businessmen.  He also assisted with the operation the Whitin Shop gas station pumps, maintenance of the Shop fire trucks and was proud  to drive the ambulance.

He was a life long member of the East Douglas United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee, usher,  was a member of the Methodist Men's Association, and spent countless hours cleaning the church.  He was past treasurer of the Sutton Parent's Music Association, and enjoyed attending and calling Bingo at the Sutton Senior Center.  In his earlier days, he loved to attend the Westboro and Thompson Raceways, traveling throughout New England and the United States and was  a life long gardener.

Calling Hours will be Thursday, March 2, from 5-7PM and the Funeral Service is Friday, March 3 at 10 AM in the East Douglas United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Pigeon Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Douglas United Methodist Church, 319 Main St., Douglas, MA 01516