Leo J. Roiko

TOWNSEND: Beloved Husband, Dad, Son, Grandfather and Great grandfather Leo John Roiko 95, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023, in Concord NH with family by his side. Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on June 19, 1927, the son of Eino and Mary (Peltokongas) Roiko. Leo was predeceased by his wife Emily H (Lehtinen) Roiko, and son Dana J Roiko. He leaves behind his devoted daughter Karen J Ducharme (husband Joseph), and son Eric (Rick) Roiko. His pride and joy were his grandkids; Lindsay, Emma, Haley, Kyle, Sean, Jonathon, Jeremiah, Jason, and great grandchildren; Madeleine, Miles, Magnolia, Charlotte, Oliver, and Roux. Leo graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1945 and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Boston University in 1955. He pursued graduate course work at Harvard University in their advanced management program, and labor relation studies at MIT. Throughout his years, Leo was a member of groups including Friends of Saima Park, American Arbitrator’s Association, Kiwanis, and National Association of Realtors. During World War II he served his country proudly in the Coast Guard with an honorable discharge. Returning from the service he married the love of his life Emily in 1950. They both loved to share the story of how they were young, and Leo stuck his tongue out at Emily and that sealed their fate to marry! After graduating college, Leo held positions in human resources at several companies eventually starting his own labor negotiating business in Manchester, NH then later years working in real estate in Lake Worth, Florida. Leo and Emily enjoyed 54 years of marriage together until Emily passed away in 2004. After Emily passed, Leo remained in Massachusetts where he loved to golf, read, watch New England sports including Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox, BU hockey, and especially spending time with his family. He loved animals and in his later years enjoyed wonderful companionship with his dog Katie and the family dog Hannah. Leo always enjoyed travelling and in later years traveled to Finland with his family for a reunion, went to Washington DC with the New England Honor Flight, and to Florida where he visited his favorite golf course, soaked up the sun, visited family, and relived some wonderful memories. Leo was happy so long as he was in the sun whether it was a golf course in Florida, or the summer warmth of his deck at their home on Vinton Pond while waving to the neighbors. After an illness, Leo moved in with his daughter Karen and son-in-law Joseph and family in Concord, NH where he lived for five years until he needed extended care eventually moving to Havenwood Heritage Heights where he lived until he passed. Calling hours are Monday April 3rd from 4-7PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main St. Townsend, MA. The funeral service will be Tuesday April 4th at 10am at Anderson Funeral Home followed with internment at Riverside Cemetery, West Townsend. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.andersonfuneral.com.

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Leo J. Roiko

June 19, 1927 - March 27, 2023