Milestones, Obituaries

ANDREW (ANDY) H. ROYER

Andrew (Andy) H. Royer

DERBY – Andrew (Andy) H. Royer, 88, of Derby, passed away peacefully in his sleep, early on October 18, at his home in the midst of his family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on March 22, 1934, in Irasburg, to Clement and Melvina (Poiree) Royer. On June 1, 1957, he married Bertha Piette, who predeceased him on May 23, 1993, after nearly 36 years of marriage. On December 20, 2008, he married Annette Tetreault (Voyer) who survives him.

Andy, fondly known as “Joe” in his early years, grew up at the Red Wing Dancehall, which was owned by his family. Here he developed his love of being around people and telling stories. In his early adult years, he worked on local farms before joining the United States Army and serving his country during the Korean War clean-up effort. It was during that time that he married Bertha.

Following his service, he worked a short time at the Ethan Allen Mill before purchasing a small farm in Holland, and then later acquiring a larger dairy farm in Newport Center. On these farms, he and Bertha taught their five children the value of faith and a strong work ethic. Andy developed a herd of high-scoring and high-producing Holsteins, which were admired by many in the dairy industry, and won many awards over the years.

Andy retired from farming in 1996. During his retirement, he married Annette and enjoyed nearly 14 wonderful years together, further growing his faith and circle of friends and family.

He was a member of Mater Dei Parish of Newport, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Newport Elks Club # 2155, and the American Legion. He also served as select man and lister for Newport Center for many years. He developed a love for woodworking in his later years and enjoyed making bird and well houses. Watching the birds feed from the feeders brought him much joy.

Andy was a Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, and an avid fan of wrestling, traveling frequently to Sherbrooke, Quebec, with friends for many years. He was fondly known as the kingpin for the McDonald’s breakfast club, where he and Annette formed many strong friendships. He was a proud and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather, stepdad, and devout friend. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Annette Royer of Derby, by his children: Daniel Royer and his significant other, Reene of Newport Center; Rev. Yvon Royer of Winooski; Fernand Royer and his wife Jennifer of Hardwick; Diane Hanson and her husband Dale of South Burlington; and Jacques Royer and his wife Roberta of Newport Center; as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Michael Tetreault and his wife Robin of Claremont, N.H.; Patrick Tetreault and his wife Holly of North Troy; Bernard Tetreault and his wife Sheila of Canaan, N.H.; and Lucille Tetreault of Newport; 17 step-grandchildren, 15 step-great-grandchildren, and two step-great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Raymond Royer and his wife Lucille of Orleans, numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family members. In addition to his parents and Bertha, he was predeceased by seven brothers, two sisters and his stepson Ronald Tetreault.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 28, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by his son Rev. Yvon Royer. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. The family invites family and friends to then join them at the St. Ignatius Parish Hall in Lowell to share lunch and stories of Andy’s many adventures.

The family thanks Orleans Essex VNA and Hospice and Dr. Lagoy and his team, and many other specialists, for the dedicated care they provided to Andrew during the recent months.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Mater Dei Parish, 191 Clermont Circle, Newport, VT 05855, or to Orleans Essex VNA and Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT 05855. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, and Cremation Service.

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