H. Roger King, 79, of 739 Daniel Shays Highway, Riverbend Woods, died Friday morning, December 4, 2009 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, following an illness.

    Born in Leicester on January 27, 1930, he was a son of the late Herman and Eleanor (Connor) King.

    He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.

    Roger was married to Louise (Field) in Worcester on October 10, 1981 and have enjoyed their 28 years together.

    A serviceman for Commonwealth Gas (Comgas), he retired after 33 years with the company. Following his retirement, Roger enjoyed the best of both worlds, wintering in Florida for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his friends at Riverbend Woods.

    An avid outdoorsman, Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, boating and was a skilled carpenter, having built his own home. A resident of Worcester for 50 years, he later moved to Athol and will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, and grandfather.

    Survivors include: his beloved wife, Louise King of Athol; a son, Michael King of Paxton; a daughter, Sheila McCormick of Upton; stepchildren: Gary Ritchotte of Ft. Meyers,FL, John Ritchotte, James Ritchotte, Susan Howard, and Gail Stenlund, all of Worcester; 16 grandchildren; 4 great, grandchildren; and numerous friends.

    Roger was predeceased by a son, Thomas King; a brother, Robert Kind, and sisters: Mildred Kabazinski and Joanne Goldstein.

    Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 8th from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 8th at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, with Fr. William Lunney. Interment in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arra ngements.