West Lebanon, NH - Roger Tatro, age 83, passed away in his home at Quail Hollow in West Lebanon, NH on June 21, 2024. After a strong courageous fight with cancer and subsequent stroke he was able to peacefully join his best friend, Jesus.

This farmhand/milkman who grew up on the Greaves Dairy Farm in Morrisville, VT had a love for the land and was no stranger to hard work. He started working at the age of 12 to help take care of his family and it was there, under the tutelage of Marty Greaves, that he learned not only his strong work ethic but also his prankster ways.

After completing high school at People's Academy in Morrisville in 1958, he traveled to Clearwater, FL where he worked as a cook. While there he rubbed shoulders with Frank Sinatra who taught him some moves and he took classes to refine his dancing style. He missed the Vermont life and returned, first working at the Brown Derby Restaurant in Montpelier and shortly after was offered a position with Metropolitan Life Insurance in Morrisville, VT, beginning his more than three-decade career in insurance. His work took the family to Gorham, NH and he became the Vice President of A.D. Davis over commercial and residential accounts. Overall, his positive mindset and excellent people skills served his customers, coworkers, and him well and more than once, he was voted salesman of the year.

Roger had a deep and abiding passion for his Faith, family, music, and community. He was a people person who easily connected with others and lifted spirits when it was most needed.  He picked up the guitar at a young age and performed throughout the north country as lead singer/guitarist in several country bands including "The Ambrose" and "Coming on Country". His rockabilly style won over the hearts of many fans. It brought him tremendous joy to share his God-given musical talent to bring happiness to others. He continued playing in the Upper Valley for more than 23 years. Often any money he received was donated to the Upper Valley Haven or his beloved parish, St. Anthony Catholic Church. Roger's strong presence of service at St. Anthony's was far-reaching: greeter, lector, Eucharistic minister, musician, singer, and a leader in bible and rosary groups. He delivered communion to homebound parishioners and organized groups at Valley Terrace. Roger loved to serve God and others, it was his purpose, and his life was certainly a testimony to just that.

His quick wit and jokester-humorous style always brought joy to those around him. He was a top-notch pool and cribbage player, Cub Scout leader, and opened the family home to host the Fresh Air kids during summers. He and his wife Dale loved camping at Israel River Campground in Jefferson, NH and belonged to the "Crazy Bunch," instigating many group shenanigans!

He retired two years after a life changing heart attack at the age of 56, which allowed he and his wife to enjoy many religious tours and holy pilgrimages with friends.

When asked how he was, he often replied with a smile "Top Shelf!" … yes, yes he was.

Roger leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Dale; their three children Karen Ivey, Martin Tatro, and Diane Laroche; his sister Sharon Degree; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is predeceased by his father Charles Tatro, mother Lucille Hodges, and brother Edward Tatro.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in White River Junction, VT. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Church. Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction is honored to assist with Roger's services and online condolences may be made at www.knightfuneralhomes.com