Roger L. Thurber

West Brookfield - Roger L. Thurber, 91, of West Brookfield died on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Harrington Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

He leaves his loving wife of 70 years, Doris E. (Smith) Thurber; three grandchildren,  Renee Packard, Brandon Cass and his wife Beth, and Jefferey Cass and his wife Brooke; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Donald Thurber and his wife Marie, his sister, Barbara Therrien and her husband John, his sister-in-Law, Kate Thurber, his son-in-law, William Cass and many friends.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Rhonda Cass, and his brother, Wallace Thurber.  He was born in and grew up in North Brookfield, son of the late Guy W. and Calysta (Adams) Thurber.

Mr. Thurber was a United States Navy Veteran of WWII, having enlisted at the age of 18.

Roger worked as a Division Manager with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority for 22 years.  He was a long-time member of the Adams-Coney-Frew American Legion Post 244, and was a Freemason for 50 years.  He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and was one of the five original members who started the West Brookfield Sportsman Club.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting, chopping wood, and bow hunting in Pennsylvania for many years along with his brother Donald and friend Red Greene. 

Roger and Doris spent their winters in Florida for the last 30 years, where they also made many friends.  When recently asked what the secret was to having such a long marriage, he replied, “patience.”  Roger loved Doris and his large extended family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

At his request, a Graveside Service for Roger will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the West Brookfield Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 540, West Brookfield, MA 01585.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements. 

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com 

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