After a long decline from a stroke in 2019, Eugene Roger Massé (Roger Sr, Rog, Pépére) passed away at the age of 92 in Hospice Home of UNC Healthcare, on Monday, November 27th, 2023, in the presence of his family.

Roger Sr. was born on December 20th 1930 in Central Falls, RI. He is predeceased by his father; René Albert Massé, his dear mother; Mary Alice Paquette, and his beloved sister; Madeleine Cecile Massé Delea. Roger Sr. is survived by Roberta Massé (of Hillsborough, NC) and their three children: Roger Eugene Massé (of Bethesda MD), Paul René Massé (of Richmond, VA), and Jean Alice Massé (of Hillsborough NC).

In grade school, Roger was a legendary trouble maker and lucky to survive into adulthood based on the harrowing tales of homemade rafts and wide-open runs down Breakneck Hill! He was saved from himself on more than one occasion, by his wonderful, big sister and guardian Madeleine. In high school – it became clear that Roger had quite a capacity for athletic feats. He was a star linebacker and running back – rarely leaving the game and rarely touched on offense AKA Roger the Dodger! He was a sprinter on the track team, and a novice boxer (that’s another story!). It’s a wonder Roger Sr. was able to get through his childhood with his noggin intact, although, this may explain a lifelong tendency towards impulsive behavior?

After a stint in the army and lots more classic harrowing tales there, he was smart enough to take the advice of his mother in asking Roberta Marie Thibaudeau to “teach him how to skate”. On February 27th, 1960 he and Roberta were married and started their life together as neighbors to Flora and Bertram Seligman who would become lifelong friends.

Growing up in the Massé house in Tappan NY, was full of creative and athletic endeavors and never without excitement. Roger Sr. dug a pool (himself!) deep enough for Roger Jr.’s competitive diving pursuits. He later carved up the back yard to install a legitimate pole-vaulting pit for Paul. He put in a basketball court for Jean, and always found time to catch a softball with her. Roger Jr. and Paul went on to receive athletic scholarships at the University of Maryland for their respective events and Jean played softball in college. Roger Sr.would often be found somewhere in the yard with his kids, attempting to pole vault, teaching some kid or another to swim or dive or helping Jean perfect her pitching as a self taught “expert” on this, and countless other topics!

Roger Sr. carried on with his wild ways as an “adult”. He could be found literally hanging by the limb of a tree with a chainsaw in hand and a ladder nowhere in sight, or reaching beyond the limits of his homemade scaffolding on any number of endless house projects. He would, on purpose, run off cliffs with a glider on his back. In his infinite wisdom though, he retired from this sport after a harrowing crash that he walked away from (the glider didn’t do as well). He spent years riding his road bicycle with a competitive group of fellow enthusiasts. There was the old Triumph Bonneville motorcycle restoration project which perhaps one or two, or three? of his children may have “borrowed” a few times, without his knowledge. Once the Donnelly family moved in across the street, dad found a dear friend in Mark and a new generation of Donnelly kids to give swimming lessons to.

Later in his life, Roger maintained his sense of humor, love for Roberta, his children and grandchildren. He was always ready to jump on his scooter for a ride in the woods. He also discovered and rapidly became quite adept in the art of napping. His bright light will be missed by those who knew and loved him.