Roger F. Starr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roger F. Starr, a man of unwavering strength and boundless love and knowledge. Formerly of Cambridge and Norton, MA, and more recently a resident of Southwest Florida. Roger faced a short but courageous battle with Melanoma and peacefully entered into rest on January 27, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by his devoted family.

Roger was the beloved and caring husband of Leona (Schneider) Tosi Starr, with whom he shared over 30 years of an endearing marriage. A dedicated father, he leaves behind his sons Brett Starr of Quincy and David Starr and his wife Rhonda of Norwood. Roger loved Leona's daughters, Jill Tepper and her husband Richard of Boston, and Kimberly Imbornone and her husband Ronald of Easton, as if they were his own.

Cherished and adored by many, Roger was a loving grandfather to Alex Tepper and his wife Kristen, Joseph Tepper, Brooke and Brett Imbornone, and Faith and Gavin Starr. He held a special place in his heart for his great-grandchildren, Julian and Nora Tepper, as their Great-Grampy.

Roger is survived by his brother, Peter Nicholson and his wife Cheryl of Fitchburg. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Starr.

Roger grew up in Wilmington and in his teenage years he found his way to Cambridge where he crossed paths with the Altman family and their Gas & Auto Shop. They embraced Roger with much love and guidance, which then led him to further his education at Cornell University. After his time in Ithaca, NY, he then opened his own first business, Ellery Garage in Cambridge. His life and business continued to develop, and he had the joy of bringing his two sons into the world. Roger enjoyed many years with his family and friends at the Charlesgate Yacht Club. Roger was an entrepreneur in various businesses, but it was the private investigating line of work that led him to meet the love of his life Leona, at Paul’s Distributors (Canton, MA). From there, Roger continued his focus of work in the dairy industry in logistics for West Lynn Creamery. As Roger and Leona embarked on their move to the sunshine state, Roger continued in the dairy industry and later retired from M&B Products.

After being together for 8 years, Roger and Leona married in August of 1993. As a couple together, they loved to travel and even crossed off all 50 states. A memorable trip of theirs was Australia, Roger loved the zoo in Sydney because with each trip they took, visiting the local zoo was Roger’s favorite activity. Above all hobbies though, Roger loved boating, he named his boat “Never Better” which was his response, always, when anyone would ask, how are you doing? In his retirement years he spent time with the South Gulf Cove Yacht Club, he even took Leona on overnight trips with the club.

Roger, affectionately known as "Grampy," warmly embraced not only his own grandchildren but also their friends, creating a welcoming haven in their Florida home. While Roger and Leona graciously opened their doors to all visitors, it was the laughter-filled moments shared with the grandchildren that truly illuminated Roger's life. The countless gatherings, shared dinners, and the joyous presence of these cherished visits from family and friends brought immeasurable brightness and warmth to Roger's days.

South Gulf Cove served not only as a retreat for his visitors but was a true paradise for Roger and Leona themselves. It was within these sun-kissed surroundings that Roger earned the nickname "the go-to-guy." His nightly walks became a comforting ritual for neighbors, symbolizing his unwavering presence and the soothing assurance of community. Amidst South Gulf Cove, Roger's impact reached beyond his immediate circle, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who found solace in his familiar and friendly companionship.

Roger F. Starr's indomitable spirit, enduring love, and the impact he made on those around him will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Funeral services to celebrate Roger's remarkable life will be held on Sunday, February 4th, at 10:00 A.M. at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington St., CANTON, MA. Following the service, interment will take place at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. The chapel service is accessible via livestream at www.tinyurl.com/Roger-Starr-Funeral

To honor Roger's memory, Shiva will be held on Sunday following services until 7 PM, and on Monday from 2:00-4:00 PM and 5:00-8:00 PM, at the home of Kimberly and Ron Imbornone in Easton, providing a space for friends and family to share their condolences and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests expressions of sympathy be made in Roger's memory to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), supporting the ongoing fight against the disease that altered his later life.

Direct link to Livestream of Chapel Service: www.tinyurl.com/Roger-Starr-Funeral