Roger Arthur Joseph Borelli
September 17, 1943 ~ July 27, 2024
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
Roger A. Borelli Sr., 80, was surrounded by friends when he passed away unexpectedly on July 27th, 2024, while playing golf, an activity he loved.
Roger was born September 17, 1943 in Newport, Rhode Island to Tomas and Laurette Borelli Provencher (nee Briard). Roger was raised in Portland with his beloved brother, Thomas. Roger was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church where he also served as an altar boy. His faith was strong, and he was a lifelong active member of the Catholic Church and enjoyed being a part of the Knights of Columbus. He graduated from Portland High School and attended Burdett Business College in Boston and then served in the Army National Guard.
While raising his family he purchased Vaughan St Variety in 1973, which he owned and operated for over 20 years. His friendly, caring, and fun personality made his business popular. He later sold the business and went to work for the Westbrook School Department, retiring in 2005. During this time he continued his pursuit of learning at USM in Portland. In his retirement he worked at several golf courses but found his golf home at Val Halla.
Roger loved sports. He was a devoted NY Yankees and Mickey Mantle fan and was never afraid to let you know. He was an avid collector of vintage baseball cards. Additionally, he instilled the love of competition in his children through coaching PeeWee football, Farm League and Little league baseball and softball. For many years Roger coached the South Portland High School’s Varsity softball team. He went on to help coach the Westbrook College softball team, followed by becoming Westbrook High School’s Varsity softball coach. Roger’s appreciation for competition and love for sports carries on in his grandchildren.
Roger’s home was in Maine, but part of his heart was in South Carolina where he and Sue spent the winter. One of his favorite times of the year was when his kids came to spend a week golfing and making memories. In the past four years he welcomed a new love into his life, his dog Archie. He enjoyed taking walks with Sue and Archie at Bug Light.
Roger, Dad, Pepe leaves behind his loving wife Susan of almost 30 years; children, Roger Jr. (Kathy), Timothy (Suzie), Shane (Judith), Brent (Beth) Borelli, Jennifer (John) Coughlin, Amy (David) Redmond, Jill (Jay) Lynch, and Bob Ganley, Jr.; and grandchildren, Ryan, Jacob, Trevor, Ben (Jess), Emily, Abby, Michael, Anna, Talia, Nicolas, Luke, Blake, Brandon, Mackenzie, Natalie, Bradford, Thomas, J.J. and great granddaughter, Sadie. He is also survived by his step-sister, Cathy Andreasen. Roger was predeceased by his father Tomas Borelli, his mother Laurette Borelli Provencher, his brother Thomas Borelli and granddaughter, Paige Borelli.
For those who were lucky enough to meet Roger, you instantly had a new friend. He touched so many lives in his eighty years and will always be remembered for his kindness, loyalty and humor. Roger will be missed greatly by so many.
Visiting Hours celebrating the incredible life of Roger will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 6 at 10AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Highland Avenue, South Portland. To view Roger's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
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Pepe always made sure I knew how proud he was of me, and was never shy to brag to others about my accomplishments. He was the best support system I could’ve asked for!
Roger,My sons Jacob and Trevor’s PePe,always showed up in their lives.When we lived above Vaughn Street Variety,I would bring Jacob down to see Pepe,he always gave him a piece of cheese and a pickle! Jacob being 1 at the time called him PaPa Cheese! From music events to sports,to being with me in the ed when one of them was sick,school graduations ,ect ect! Roger was always there.Sue my heart goes out to you as you shared many memories and events and babysitting for my sons too.Lots of memories.And lastly my boys always loved Pepe’s meatballs on Christmas Eve! Roger,Thank you for being their Pepe.Rest with the Angles.Prayers and Peace to the Ganley and Borelli family. Alice Frank
I am long time friend and fan of Sue and the Ganley family, and I embraced the transition to the Borelli family. I am devastated by the loss of wonderful, kind, thoughtful Roger to the family.
I will always remember his smile.
Deepest condolences to the family and his friends.
Roger always told jokes and sometimes people didn’t hear or react to them. I used to laugh uncontrollably at his jokes. He would wink at me and told me I was a great audience.
He hugged me so much and said how sorry he was about my son’s accident. It was so genuine.
There are so many fond memories I have of Roger. I will miss him dearly.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Borrelli family
A great man. I always enjoy talking sports with Roger whenever bumped into one another. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Sue and the whole Borelli family. RIP Roger
Don Orcutt
South Portland
We are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He had such a wonderful smile! Sending thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
To always follow my dreams, do what I feel passionate about, and always be confident in anything and everything I do in life ❤️
Roger and us neighborhood boys from Sacred Heart neighborhood ,in Portland ,played pickup baseball in “the Oaks” all Summer long.He was always good humored. He would light up when his big brother would join the fray.Even at that early age Roger was a delight to be around.
Incredible man who blessed everyone that was lucky enough to meet him.
Pepe is my other grandfather. Not by blood but by love. I am blessed to have known such an incredible human and anyone who’s ever met him will say the same. Go Yankees.
As an honorary Borelli, I will be winning the Turkey Bowl MVP in your honor, Pepe. I love y’all so much, you are and have always been my second family.
Roger is my lifelong friend since we were young boys growing up on Sherman Street. Our hang out was Slats , the five and dime across from Sacred Heart. He used to call me “ foghorn” due to my low voice. Roger was like a big brother, he kept all the kids in line on the block. My fondest memories were playing football in the Deering Oaks with Roger and friends. We would play during the summer and fall on the green fields of the Oaks!
We always kept in touch over the years. While I no longer live in Portland, I will never have a friend like Roger , and I have had many close friends over the years. He stood by me in my darkest times . I know I share my love of Roger with his loving wife Sue , family and friends. He always told me that as far as kids and grandkids go, I will never catch him. He is right.
Rest in Peace Rog, I am the foghorn and I will always be your friend! I’ll be seeing you!
The Foghorn
James Castelluzzo
May he rest in peace. Loving family man. Always a smile on his face.
A good friend in High School.
His family.
So sorry Sue an family, I went to high school with him. He was a fun loving guy. He also helped me out with a high school reunion. He will always be remember. May he rest in peace.
SUSAN.VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF ROGERS PASSING AWAY.I WAS A GOOD FRIEND OF ROGERS.I WORKED WITH HIM AT VALHALLA GOLF COURSE.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIM .MAY HE REAST IN PEACE JACK MCCARTHY
I have known Sue for over 40 years. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Sue. It is a privilege for me to be able to prepare Rogers final resting spot at Highland Memorial Cemetery
Roger, Fran and I were friends from the 1st grade at Sacred Heart along with Kiets, Lee, Owen, Demers, Robison, Brown and too many for an 80 year old to recall as most would not remember me.
Roger was a good guy and a natural leader. We lost touch because Fran and I lived outside of Maine but Roger’s passing is very sad. All the old Sacred Heart crowd will never forget Roger.
Joe Hachey
My sincere condolences to Roger’s family. He was my high school softball coach, but we kept up with one another over the years, and I loved him. I called him “Coach” every time I saw him, and he was always so interested in how I was doing and if I was ok. I will miss running into him when I visit Maine. A really nice man.
How lucky people were to know Roger. He was a very caring and gentle sole. I’m very sad for everyone ones loss especially his sole mate Sue. The memories you have are the best and those you can continue to share. Deepest condolences.❤️
You will forever be missed coach but never forgotten 🩷
Roger was a wonderful, sweet man. A gentle soul
I knew Roger from South Portland High School football. We shared many many football games together which led us to Lobster bakes on the beach on Blue Chip.
I am so so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful man and friend.
One of the nicest person I knew.
So sorry for your loss.
Friends as far back as I can remember.
Hi Sue and Jill , Bobby and Amy, I was so sad to hear of Rogers passing. I have none Sue for a very long time. My brother Jeff Tully nows Bobby. So sorry for your passing and loss. Take care From, Kristen Tully
Hi To Susan and Amy and Jill Bobby and family, I was so sad to hear of Rogers passing. He must of went down hill quick. I saw you at city hall and at cvs. I will miss him. What a nice guy. So sorry for all. Take care. Love Kristen Tully
His nice smile
That Roger and Susan went to their favourite place in South Carolina every year
Meeting him for the first time, in Maine in October 2017
Susan, their children and their grandchildren
Generous and positive
When we went out together to eat when we where visiting
South Carolina
When he took us out eating
The love he had for his family
We talked about many things during our visit to his house in Maine
His smile
Take care of all the memories
When we went out to eat during our visit to Maine
Playing golf
Golf
Generous and kind
My deepest condolences to Susan and the rest of our beloved American family ❤️
We were so lucky to visit Susan and Roger in Maine in October 2017.
He was smiling a lot
Roger received us with open arms and a big heart
I’m grateful for getting to know Roger!
He was married to Susan who found their Norwegian family in 2016.
By spending time with his beloved family
Coach, I hope you know the impact you had on my life. You are one of the biggest reasons I made it out of HS. You believed in me, and pushed me to be the best athlete I could be but pushed me even harder to be the best version of myself. I’ll carry your lessons with me always coach! ❤️
Please know that I am so sad to learn of Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful person who loved many & was loved by all his friends & family. It was a privilege have known him in SC & ME… I always valued his friendship. We enjoyed many fun rounds of golf and lots of laugh on and off the golf course. He will be sorely missed by all of us and I sent my deepest condolences to Sue, his family, and many friends. He was truly one of a kind.!
My sympathy and condolences to Roger’s family and friends. I’ve known Roger since our high school years. A wonderful kid who grew into being a wonderful man. RIP old friend. You will be missed by all who knew you.
I first met Roger in 1980 at the store Vaughan Street Variety as I lived up the street. As the years went by, I worked for Roger at the store and have many fond memories of my time there. I watched his children grow up and even was in labor with my son at the store before I went to the hospital. I lived in the neighborhood for many years and Roger was always such a great friend to me and all of us that worked for him. I later went into teaching and was thrilled to see Roger at a staff day. He will always have a place in my heart! Thanks for making the world a better place!
Great guy. Lot of fun to be around. Should have been a professional comedian. We did some crazy stuff – that was 70 years ago.
Mike Provencher
Sue, et al. I am so sorry for your loss. Love seeing all the lovely pictures. Savor them and the happy memories.
Forty five years or so ago River started a Thanksgiving tradition that still continues today. A football game where anyone could be part of an annual gathering to renew friendships, meet new people and watch the families grow from 3 year old kids to adults with kids. What a great legacy. It was never about football , it was Rogers way to bring everyone together. Just being there is special for everyone. The tradition will continue, RIP my friend.
Kids first! Riding in the old Snoopy van to LL games with the sliding door open.
Sue,
We never met but I need you to know how much I admired Roger when I worked with him at Westbrook HS. He was so popular and had a way of winning over many of his detention students. I loved working with him to help the students and stayed in touch with him thru Facebook.
I am sending you much consoling supportive energy as you mourn Roger. From what he told me you both were a great team!
Stay well. 💜. Roxanne Wheeler
I’ve been playing thanksgiving football with the Borelli’s ever since I was born. I’m not related to Roger whatsoever but that never stopped him from telling me he loved me and calling me his grandson. He even showed up to my baseball games in Myrtle Beech. Truly a blessing to have him in my life.
Our condolences to Sue and the Rest of Roger’s family. We have know Roger a long time and well always remember his infectious smile. From Vaughn St.Variety, to families, to the golf course and the Dance floor he enjoyed life and wanted to make sure we all were enjoying life. He cared for others as evidenced in his battle with his disease He and Sue helped me with Barbaras battle with her disease and for that I will be ever grateful. His faith was strong in his God and in his fellow Humans. His wit and caring will be Missed. RIP Friend
Love you man.