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April 24, 1948 - June 10, 2022
The following appears in the Boston Globe, June 17-June 19, 2022 [edited by us]: "Joseph Valentine Roller II was born to the late Joseph and Elsie Roller, owner of a leather company and a homemaker, in East Orange, NJ on April 24, 1948. Joe graduated from Millburn High School where he was named Athlete of the Year. He later graduated from Colgate University while spending summers lifeguarding on the Jersey shore with what would become lifelong friends.
While working in International Banking at Irving Trust, Joe met his wife, Jan Forsyth (a 1964 MHS graduate). Joe and Jan moved to Australia while Joe was on a four-year assignment with Irving Trust. They returned to the United States in 1982, and Joe began a 19-year career at BayBank. Joe's nearly 50-year banking career ended at Cambridge Trust, where he served as CEO for 12 years.
Joe loved being part of a team, but he was also a natural leader. He excelled leading teams of all kinds. Children of all ages adored being coached by Joe. Young adults loved being mentored by him. Bank colleagues were energized by his integrity and authenticity. In each of these endeavors, Joe was always patient and caring with the people he had been entrusted to lead.
Joe raised his two boys (Chris & Cam) with an emphasis on sports and ocean. On any given weekend he could be found in one of two places: coaching or practicing a sport with his boys, or fishing/bodysurfing with them on Cape Cod or the Jersey shoreline. Chris and Cam loved 'all sports days,' that involved hitting baseballs at Orleans Field on Cape Cod, followed by bodysurfing at Nauset Beach with their father.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jan; their two sons, Cam and Chris; and five loving grandchildren Riley, Mason, Beau, Maddie, and Nora. He will always be known to his grandchildren as 'Papa,' which was also the affectionate nickname given to his own father. Joe's passing follows the earlier deaths of his parents, Joseph and Elsie; and his sister, Diane Wilbur.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Christopher's Church in Chatham, MA at 11am on June 27, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made 'In Memory of Joseph Roller' at Salvationarmyma.org/Hyannis (Donations directed to Canton MA Divisional Headquarters) or send locally to: The Salvation Army, 100 North Street, P.O. Box 369, Hyannis, MA 02601."
Involvement and action are themes that describe Joe's adult life. From a 1968 letter to The Millburn-Short Hills Item calling out racial inequality and urging people to contact their representatives to pass Civil Rights Bill, HR 2516, to his decades of work in the communities where he lived in both MA and FL, Joe was recognized and honored for leadership initiatives in such areas as the arts, hunger, homelessness, and mentoring. This continued into his retirement.
For us, Joe was such a key person to our class, not just during high school as president and athlete and all-around nice guy, but also since our 50th reunion, reaching out to virtually all our classmates on their birthdays. His messages were personal, thoughtful, and continued the connection that defines the Class of '66 spirit.
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Jane 'Lil' Lilley
What a bright light leaving way too soon. Joe was such a special friend in Jr and Sr. High as well as into college years. Although I haven't seen him in decades, it still feels as though I've lost a good friend. He connected with everyone, no matter who they were, how young or old they were. Joe was one of my parents' favorites...he could talk comfortably with them for hours. When I was in my teens I probably didn't grasp what the word "gentleman" meant, but that was who Joe was (in the very best sense of the word) And, from all that I've heard and read, those qualities of his...his kindness, humility, respect, and generous spirit...had grown throughout the years. Reading other posts on this site reminds me of the regard with which Joe was held by so many and the loss that we all feel....and if we feel that deep loss, I can't imagine what Jan, their children and grandkids must feel. Keeping them all in my heart. Thank you, Joe, for making this world a better place.
Alison Stier
So sorry and shocked to hear about Joe. My sympathies to his family. He was a special person to our class way back when and recently again with our 50th reunion! He showed such a kind, generous and friendly manner. I'm sure he touched many people in his life who now will miss him. Rest In Peace Joe.
Robert 'Jaeg' Jaeger
Very sorry to hear about Joe. I had not seen him since graduation but enjoyed reconnecting with him on this site. He was truly one of the good guys both as a teammate and classmate. Reading his obituary it is obvious he touched many lives in a very significant and positive manner. My condolences to his family and prayers for all of them. May Joe Rest In Peace
Linda Kooluris (Dobbs)
My years at Millburn are rather vague, but a few people stand out. Joe stands tallest in my memory. My late husband Kildare would have referred to him as "a clear spirit". I feel so many others of you have so aptly written about Joe and of his qualities that I would only be repeating your words. Instead, I would like to offer something written by Kildare, a writer, in his last year. Others, in a period of loss, have found it comforting.
My Deepest Sympathy offerred to Joe's family,
Linda
Bill Woodman
Jan, family and class of '66:
I think we are all getting to know better how great a person Joe was in recent days since his passing. I lost touch with Joe after college until recently, like with many others, he sent me a birthday wish. I remember when Joe first moved into the Glenwood district (I think it was 5th grade) and we became fast friends. Most every day we walked through the bird sanctuary to Glenwood school. In 6th grade we had to get there early to raise the flag. On to Junior High where we would walk along the railroad tracks, doing the "penny" thing or ride bikes, basketball, and football in his back yard. Lovely parents. Those were some of the best days ever and I will alwasy cherish them. God bless Joe and his family.
Bill Woodman
Judy Eron
Pretty amazing man, our Joe Roller. What wonderful things you all have written about him. For myself, I have to say that I did not know Joe one single bit in high school, mostly due to my own pathetic self-esteem issues. I didn’t feel pretty or cool and I didn’t approach the popular boys, thinking they wouldn’t want to talk with me. My loss, as I see now.
But at the 50th reunion, Joe and I got into a conversation. Amazingly, he referred to the topic of my speech at our graduation, saying he quoted it from time to time, that I was ahead of my time. Shocked me. Touched me. Thanks, Joe.
(Our high school graduation, by the way, was one of the worst days of my life—my boyfriend from another school didn’t write the date down and missed the whole thing, so I didn’t go on the boat ride, cried my eyes out.)
Suzanne 'Sue' Morpeth (Clark)
I feel so very fortunate to have spent a wonderful hour of catching up with Joe last September while on the Cape. He was so gracious to meet us for breakfast one morning. He looked wonderful and was the same kind person I remember from 56 years ago. We learned so much about his wonderful life and he gave us all great tips about how to enjoy the Cape. He was a true gentleman and I know from reading all the notes, that he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The great class of ''66 was so fortunate to have Joe as our class President and leader. My deepest sympathy to Jan and their family.
Thinking of you all, Sue Morpeth Clark
Susan 'Sue' Buckley (Bernhard)
I was so sorry to hear about Joe. We were not friends in high school, yet I remember him being friendly and kind...qualities that obviously endured all through his life. His birthday wishes to me and everyone in our class have been great fun to read. Thanks, Joe.
Rest in peace.
Wendy 'Drob' Drobnyk
Like some others, I didn't really know Joe while in school. A few years ago, my sister ran into him at a conference and put him in touch with me given our shared love of Cape Cod. We talked about getting together on the cape and regrettably, never did. I was stunned to read his obituary in the Globe--in my memory he was a larger-than-life person with tons of energy and compassion. My thoughts are with his wife and family.
Alberta 'Bert' Teltser (Pedroja)
Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It's pretty amazing to remember that a person sat behind you in Mr. Gordon's English class, but I do. That's the impression he made even back then.