LeRoy M. Roughgarden

"Belchertown, LeRoy M. Roughgarden, Jr., 77, of Chauncey Walker St., died peacefully Thursday, January 5, surrounded by his family at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Hawthorne, NJ, December 11, 1934, he lived in Wilbraham for many years before moving to Belchertown 30 years ago. A proud Veteran, he served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. During his working career he spent many years as a heavy equipment operator both for Yacavone Construction as well as the City of Springfield. He later retired from the former Belchertown State School. An avid birdwatcher, he spent many peaceful hours with his telescope at the Quabbin Reservoir. His wife of 30 years, Virginia E. (Godfrey) Merceri Roughgarden preceded him in death in 2005. He will be deeply missed by his 6 children, Todd Roughgarden and Cheryl Cronin of Ludlow, Tammey Guihan and Shawn Roughgarden of Wilbraham, Kim White of Indian Orchard, Dawn Polhemus of Hampden, along with 2 stepchildren Darrell Merceri of Westfield, and Kim Keene of Feeding Hills. He also leaves a sister Kathleen Suprenant of Springfield as well as 14 grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. A service to remember his life will be Monday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St., (Rte. 202) followed by burial in East Wilbraham Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For those wishing contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com."