Roger E. Staples

WATERVILLE – Roger E. Staples passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, 2024, his 93rd birthday, surrounded by the family that loved him.

Roger was born in Lee, Maine in 1931. He was the fourth child of Wallace L. Staples and Amy (Gifford) Staples.

Roger graduated from Lee academy in 1948 and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1954 with a degree in Botany. Roger lived in East Winthrop and worked at Lipman Poultry in Augusta before becoming a poultry farm inspector for the State of Maine, retiring in the late 1970’s.

Roger lived the last fifty years of his life in Smithfield. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and taking day trips throughout Maine. He and his wife tended their garden every year harvesting and canning their beans, beets, fiddleheads, tomatoes, and asparagus. He planted enough Katahdin potatoes every year to last them from fall to early spring.

Roger was a member of the Fairview Grange in Smithfield and the Smithfield Maine Historical Society. He spent one term as a town selectman.

Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joyce (Groves) Staples and two sons Stephen A. Staples and Timothy B. Staples. He leaves behind his eldest son, Lloyd W. Staples and his partner, David J. Broderick of Boston, Mass., along with his devoted caregivers, Peter and Gail Lambshead and his beloved black lab, Heidi. In addition, Roger leaves behind three grandchildren, Timothy Staples and his wife Dominique of Ocala, Fla., Justin Staples and Rebecca Staples of Albion; and two great-grandchildren, Chase and Gage staples of Ocala, Fla.

The family would like to thank Erica and Michelle of the Northern Light Home Care and Hospice of Kennebec and Somerset for their service.

A private burial has been held.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.