Roger H. Willette

AUGUSTA – Roger H. Willette of Augusta, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 6, 2026, at the Maine Veteran’s home in Augusta following a long illness. Roger was born on July 15, 1942, in Millinocket, Maine to Rosaire and Leona (Lemelin) Willette.

Roger grew up in Augusta and attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from Cony High School in 1961. After graduation Roger enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the 25th Administration Company, later redesignated as the 25th Adjutant General Company which was a unit of the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning) based at Scofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in July 1964 with the rank of Specialist 5 (E5). Roger was very patriotic and was proud of his military service. During his time in the U.S. Army, Roger met his lifelong friend Ed Hunter while they were both stationed in Hawaii. Roger and Ed formed a special bond as only two soldiers could and Ed credits Roger for introducing him to his wife.

In 1966, Roger married his first wife Geri Pare and together they had three daughters, Laurie, Traci and Kellie. As the girls grew up, Roger is remembered for owning his own roller skates and roller skating in the road of their quiet neighborhood with the girls and their neighborhood friends and playing basketball with the kids in his driveway. He had a killer hook shot that no one could ever duplicate! He also took great pride in creating the ultimate snow/ice slide in their backyard each winter which he groomed regularly for the girls and their friends to enjoy. Those who were lucky enough to have enjoyed this slide still talk about it today.

Roger continued his education and earned an associate degree in liberal arts from the University of Maine at Augusta in 1974 and a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Maine in 1976.

Throughout his adult life, Roger was employed in Human Resources at Lipman Poultry, Edwards Manufacturing and Keyes Fiber (now known as Huhtamaki). For his last 26 years of employment, Roger worked for the State of Maine in the Department of Workers Compensation prior to retiring in 2002. Roger also served the City of Augusta for several years on the City Council.

Roger married his second wife Carol Norcross in June 2014. Together they enjoyed weeklong trips to the coast of Maine and to the White Mountains in New Hampshire as well as spending time at the waterfront at Heritage Park in Belfast. They especially enjoyed shopping for bargains at Mardens and Ocean State Job Lots. Roger was a voracious reader and was never without a book to read. He loved non-fiction especially biographies and historical or military related books. Roger was a great cook! He loved cooking and especially enjoyed making candies and treats.

His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable! He looked forward to their visits and spending time with them whether visiting North Conway, N.H., the Samoset Resort in Rockport, attending their activities while he was still able, or playing Connect Four and Othello. He is remembered by his grandchildren as being a Connect Four and Othello master. Roger took great joy in finding the biggest remote-control vehicles and racing them with his grandchildren. Making sure his children and grandchildren had what they needed was important to Roger. He especially enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Each time they visited, Roger made sure to send them home with sweet treats, flavored waters or York Peppermint Patties (his favorites).

Roger was a member of the American Legion, Post 4, the Augusta Elks Club and was a life member of Le Club Calumet. He was also a member of the board of director of the KV Credit Union for many years as well as a member school board of the former St. Augustine School.

Mr. Willette was predeceased by his wife, Carol A. (Norcross) Willette and his parents Leona and Rosaire Willette and his brother, Richard Willette.

He is survived by his three daughters: Laurie MacFarland and her husband Raymond of Skowhegan, Traci Dean and her husband Cody of Mount Vernon and Kellie Berube and her husband Joe of Augusta; three grandchildren, Jordan Roes and his fiancé Jackie DiFonzo of Lockport, N.Y., Matthew Johnson of Skowhegan and (JJ) William Berube IV of Augusta; his first wife and friend, Geri Wallace of Augusta; his lifelong friend Ed Hunter of California; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at 1 p.m., at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery located on Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.

Roger’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses, aides and staff at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Augusta who cared for Roger with loving kindness and compassion for the past two years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Roger regularly supported St. Jude Children’s Hospital so In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in memory of Roger.