Roger G. DesVergnes

Roger G. DesVergnes, 94, of North Attleboro, MA, who had lived a full and vibrant life, unexpectedly passed away on January 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Roger Williams Hospital in Rhode Island.

Born on January 10, 1930, in Lowell, Vermont, he embarked on a remarkable journey from humble beginnings and overcoming hardships endured during the Great Depression. Being forced to leave Vermont, the DesVergnes family of nine made their way to Attleboro where they found the “Catholic French Safe Haven” which was just what the family needed to start their lives anew.

Roger attended Attleboro High School until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17. During his seven years of valiant service, he received two Purple Hearts while in active combat including the frigid Battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Roger completed his service until he was Honorably Discharged.

Post service, Roger transitioned from being a toolmaker at Augat’s to a prolific Builder/General Contractor and Land Developer. With Roger’s true grit and determination, he crafted close to 2000 homes and businesses under his company Heritage Homes of Attleboro, Inc. With his tenacious drive to learn the trade, Roger built his first home from the ground up including digging the foundation by hand. He finished this home in 1956 to share with his new wife Claire (Charron) DesVergnes. He finished his career of building homes at the age of 70 - his magnum opus being a lakefront home in Bridgewater, NH with his daughter Paulette.

Roger continued to build a Legacy- not just of homes but a Family of seven children.
In the ensuing years, Roger persevered through adversity, embracing life wholeheartedly with all its ups and downs. Roger’s generosity knew no bounds. He donated land to both Attleboro & North Attleboro which left an indelible mark on the communities.

It wasn’t all work and no play. Roger had several exciting hobbies, one of which was breeding and racing Thoroughbred Race Horses under the Stable name of Pine Valley Stables during the ‘70s & ‘80s. The raising, racing and winning was the ultimate thrill for this poor farm boy who made it good.
Roger’s other passions included traversing the country and Canada to seek out the best fly fishing opportunities. His love of fishing continued through his 80’s. Roger also enjoyed skiing, swimming, snowmobiling, dancing and world traveling with his family.

Roger always said “Life is a Gamble”. He always liked to play cards and developed a skill set and was pretty darn good at it! (He excelled at bluffing-and was proud of it!)

In Roger’s later years, he loved to play slots. When Plainridge Park Casino opened, he became a regular attendee. The allure and competitive atmosphere of the casino kept him mentally sharp and fueled his “joie de vivre!” At this stage of his life, he now lived with his daughter Paulette, son-in-law Mark and grandson Mark where he was “treated like a King” he always said.

Roger was able to celebrate his 94th birthday on January 10th, still sharp as a tack, charming to those he liked, generous to a fault and the world’s best Dad, Grandfather and Great grandfather.

Roger joins his parents, Joseph and Yvonne (Daigle) DesVergnes, his wife Claire (Charron) DesVergnes, his son Roger J. DesVergnes, his brothers Rock, Louis and Ernest DesVergnes. He is survived by sisters Jacqueline Achin and Brigitte Fredette and brother Donald DesVergnes; his children Alice DesVergnes Slowey and her husband Timothy M. Slowey of Attleboro; Paulette (DesVergnes) Rioux and her husband Mark Rioux of North Attleboro; Michelle (DesVergnes) Lander of Attleboro; Nicole (DesVergnes) Christy and her husband Steven Christy of Tampa, Florida; Roxanne DesVergnes Pacella and her fiancé Rodrigo Montalvo of Seekonk; and son John DesVergnes and his wife Andrea DesVergnes of Attleboro; his 24 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren

Roger’s larger-than-life personality, heart of gold and relentless perseverance will be deeply missed. Roger lived life his way!

A celebration of Roger’s remarkable journey will be held on Saturday, January 27th at 10:30 am at Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro followed by burial with military honors at St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Attleboro, MA.

To view a livestream of the funeral home service please click on the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/roger-desvergnes

May he rest in peace and may this celebration bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.