SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Joseph Romeo Roy, 72, passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at Holyoke Soldiers Home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 14, 1937, in Stockholm, a son of the late Joseph and Jane (Rossignol) Roy and was the youngest of 16 siblings. Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he met his wife of 52 years. Joseph retired in 1997 from Sweet Life Foods and teamsters Local 559 after 40 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion and Springfield Hobby Club, where he enjoyed playing pool with the guys. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 52 years, Sarah (Sowell) Roy, formerly of Hopkinsville, Ky.; his daughter, Kathy J. Feeley and her husband, James; two grandchildren, Lora and Douglas Feeley, all of Springfield, Mass.; one brother, Rosaire Roy and his wife, Carmen, of Enfield, Conn.; a sister, Madeline Willett of Patten; sisters-in-law, Irene Sowell of Hopkinsville, Ky., Geneva Roy of East Millinocket and Emmie Dee Sowell of Hopkinsville, Ky.; a host of nieces, nephews and friends at Seniority House. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Prince. Joseph now joins his parents; a son, Patrick Neal Roy; and seven brothers and six sisters in his eternal home. Visiting hours will be held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Sampson’s Funeral Home, 710 Liberty St., Springfield, Mass., where a funeral home ceremony will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. The burial with military honor will be after the service 11 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam, Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040 or Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, care of Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01104.
JOSEPH R. ROY
