Roger Paul Emard

It is with incredible sadness and heartbreak that we say goodbye to the best father and Pepere in the world. On January 5, 2023, Roger Emard passed away peacefully in sleep next to the love of his life and wife of 70 years, Theresa. He had many titles. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a Dad, a Pepere, a friend, and so much more. He was a very humble man and would do anything for anyone, expecting nothing in return. He gave endlessly and without a second thought. His light and generosity will be missed by all who had the great opportunity to know him, and to love him. Roger was a hero, both to his country and to his family. He was a proud Navy Veteran and served his country in the Korean War. He married the love of his life Theresa, and they had three children. He opened his own barber shop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, “Roger’s Barber Shop,” and shared stories and laughs with his community. He also worked in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for many years. Never one to stay idle, and a man of many talents, he also built four of his own homes for his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He shared his love of hunting and fishing with his son Brian, spending countless hours in the woods, by a stream, and on a lake. They traveled to Maine and Alaska, and many places in between, bringing family and friends with them to share in their passion. On these adventures, he would drive one of his prized trucks, the original dubbed “Black Beauty,” but he loved all the ones that came after her equally because, “a man needs his truck.” Roger loved his blueberries, which he planted as a tribute to his Dad to feel closer to him, it was his little slice of heaven. He planted a harvest 35 years ago on his property in Springvale that continues to thrive. Roger eventually named his crop “Blueberry Hill,” and he spent countless hours each summer on “the hill” picking, eating, and singing, always with a smile on his face. He often brought his children and grandchildren to help pick, or just for a snack, where they would greatly enjoy listening to his stories, hearing him sing, and spending time with him. For the last 30 years, he danced every Sunday at the York County Veterans Alliance in Biddeford with his wife Theresa. In between sets of hits such as God Bless Texas, Johnny B. Goode, and Wake up Little Susie, Roger and Theresa made very close friends, both with the band members and the patrons. He loved a game of cards or pool. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Sharing meals, at his home and the Hen House after church were two of his favorite spots, brought him much joy. The company he kept was the highlight for him, although it is well known that he loved to eat. He would protest that, “this is too much,” or “I cannot eat all of that,” but somehow, he always managed a few more bites, a little more butter, and maybe a blueberry muffin. Roger is survived by his wife Theresa (Mathieu); his siblings, Conrad (Ki), Mariette (Bill) Bertrand, and Corrine Troiano; his children, Janet (Rick) Hamel and Joanne Woodward; daughter-in-law, Janet (Sevigny)Emard; His grandchildren, Joshua (Kimberly) Woodward, Diana (Tom) Vickers, Michael (Melody) Emard, Jessica (Martin Chvoj) Emard, Kristie (Russell) Stutsky, Christopher (Kendra) Woodward, Ashley (Jack) Martin, Lindsey (Connor) Chapais; his great grandchildren, Connor, Anna, and Ryan Woodward, Tyler and Abby Vickers, Skyla and Gemma Emard, Adela Emard Chvoj, Amelia and Jonathan Stutsky, Cody and Lucy Woodward, Augustine and Theodore Martin, and two more on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Conrad and Delina Emard; his sister Arlene Chalk, his brother-in-laws, Dick Chalk and Anthony Troiano. His sister-in-law Sandra Emard; his son Brian Emard; his son-in-law Roland Woodward; and his grandson Dianel Arseneault. He spent the last months of his life singing and dancing in the halls of the Lodges in Springvale. His family would like to thank the staff for the love and care they showed him during that time. Roger is now free and unencumbered by the shackles of age. He is off to meet the ones that passed before him, who undoubtedly cannot wait to see him, and have already greeted him with an enthusiastic “How’d da goin,” and a smile. A military service is scheduled , August 6, 2023, on his birthday. It will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, ME. Specific time and details will be released as the date approaches. In lieu of flowers and/or cards, please consider a donation to the Lodges of Springvale, where Roger’s wife Theresa continues to live and be cared for by the wonderful staff. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence click on Roger's Remember page.