Roger A. Gentes

He was born in Manchester on June 9, 1928, the son of George J. and Robella (Anger) Gentes. He was educated in the local school system and received an associate's degree in Fire Science from the New Hampshire Technical College. He had served in the National Guard.

After 38 years of dedicated service to his community, Roger retired as District Chief of the Manchester Fire Department.

He had also worked for many years for More Heat Inc.

Always very active in civic affairs, Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic War Veterans, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Manchester Retired Fire Fighters Association, the Manchester Relief Association, the NH State Permanent Fire Fighters Association, the NH State Forest Fire Wardens Association, as well as the Association of Fire Chiefs.

He was president of the New Voice Club and volunteered much of his time for the American Cancer Society helping others learn to use voice boxes. He had recently received an award for his 35 years of volunteer service at the VA Medical Center. He was an active parishioner of the former St. George Church and held many positions within the parish fundraising activities. He also served as moderator for Ward 3 in Manchester.

Members of his family include his wife of 60 years, Simonne (Tremblay) Gentes of Manchester; two daughters, Susan Ramos and her husband Donald of Auburn, Janet Chase and her husband Kenneth of Goffstown; two grandsons, Leonard Faucher Jr. of Stamford, CT, and Richard Anderson of Marietta, GA. He was predeceased by his brother George O. Gentes in January of this year.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, April 3, 2009 at 10 am in St. Marie Church, with the Rev. George Desjardins officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Recreation Department at the VA Medical Center, 718 Smyth Rd, Manchester, NH 03104.