Roger Omer Pothier died peacefully on December 28, 2024, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN at the age of 88. Roger was born on August 4, 1936, in New Bedford, MA to Omer Pothier and Irene (Renaud) Pothier. Roger was the oldest of four with Yvette Beaumont, Gerard Pothier (wife Rita Pothier), and Paul Pothier (wife Nancy Pothier) all surviving. Roger graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in 1956 and went on to study Chemistry for two years at the Bradford Durfee Technical Institute in North Dartmouth, MA. Roger left the institute to work full-time at his family’s restaurant, Omer and Sons Restaurant in New Bedford. He later became a parimutuel supervisor at both the Taunton and Raynham Dog Tracks along with running his own real estate company, Pothier Real Estate. In the 1970’s, Roger began a Real Estate Appraisal company of residential homes for many of the south coast banks, Bay State Appraisal Company. He continued with this career until he retired at 70 years of age. Roger never sat idle. He also worked at Jerry’s Fish and Chips, multiple dog and horse tracks throughout New England, and elected Rochester’s Assessor among other positions. As a 75 year Type I diabetic, Roger received accommodations from Eli Lilly and Josilin Diabetic Clinic. Roger could always be defined, not only as a loving husband and father, but by his exceptional and unwavering work ethic.

Roger met the love of his life, Joanne (Beaulieu) Pothier (deceased on 06/28/24) in 1959 and they married on May 30, 1960, celebrating a life together for 64 years. As a diabetic, Joanne became Roger’s biggest and finest provider of care throughout his lifetime. Together, they raised 5 children; Michael Pothier, 63; Russell Pothier, 62 (married to Christine (Stone) Pothier); Steven Pothier, deceased, Kathy Medeiros, 59 (married to Wayne Medeiros); and Kevin Pothier, 55. Roger is the grandfather to 11-David Pothier, Evan Pothier, Steven Pothier, Mari (Pothier) Brooks, Jordan Medeiros, Chase Medeiros, Reis Medeiros, Mason Medeiros, Gabrielle Pothier, Emilie Pothier, Michelle Pothier, and 7 great grandchildren. Roger and Joanne enjoyed many hobbies together: racing Roger’s homing pigeons, ballroom dancing, yard work and gardening, walking with his guide dogs, spending time with family and friends, rooting for the New York Yankees and the Boston Celtics, and listening to their favorite musicians. In both New Bedford MA and North Myrtle Beach SC, Roger and Joanne were active members of the Lions Club.

Roger and his beloved wife, Joanne, are now together, dancing eternally.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Joslin Diabetes Center of Boston, Massachusetts, and Freedom Guide Dogs in Cassville, NY.