Roy Rutledge Powers, Jr. of South Windsor, CT died peacefully on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Suffield House. Born in East Hartford, August 6, 1920, Roy was the cherished son, affectionately called "Buster" of the late Roy R. Powers, Sr. and Anna Stacia (Burke) Powers. Roy was predeceased by his sister, Mary P. McCabe. He is survived by a cousin, Pat Gately, who he held in warm regard all of his life.
As a child Roy spent his youth at his family's summer home at Harborview, in Clinton, CT. He enjoyed swimming, running with his fox terrier, Mindy and boating with his father.
Roy was schooled at Wilbraham Academy, class of 1942 and Cornell University where he was an exceptional wrestler and football player. He was also an active student serving on the advisory board and chairman of activities of his house, the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity before leaving to join the U. S. Marine Corp where he served with integrity and valor in the South Pacific participating in the Solomon Islands and Bismark Archipelago Campaigns, earning many awards, including the Purple Heart.
Roy worked at The Powers Laundry, the family business in East Hartford then went on to become the Director of Industries for the Department of Corrections in 1963, retiring in 1983.
Roy was predeceased, in 2006, by his beloved soulmate, Cynthia A. (McMahon) Powers and their precious cat Misty. They shared a love of reading and traveling, settling in Venice, FL for many years before returning home to Connecticut to be with family. Their deep and abiding love for each other, and our family, will stand as their lifelong legacy.
Roy was an avid reader, since childhood, instilling his love for books in all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his New England Patriots with football season being his favorite time of the year.
Roy will be remembered as a loving, soft spoken, strong and gentle man who never forgot the name of anyone he met. He was a hero, not only at war but to our family. He was a great listener and mentor to all who were blessed enough to know him. His laugh was contagious and he laughed often! He enjoyed great happiness and suffered deep sorrow in his life but never gave up. The epitome of the phrase "A life well lived!"
Roy is survived by his children: Bonnie Champagne of Enfield, Maureen Dunn and husband William of Old Saybrook, James Griffin, Jr. of Safety Harbor, FL., Karen Kittell and husband Bob of Springfield, MA., Patrice Griffin of Vernon, Daniel Griffin and wife Diane of Ellington, Roy (Rob) Powers III and wife Karen (deceased) of Fitchburg, MA., Steven Powers of TN and Lana Garay and husband Don of Coventry. He was predeceased by daughter's Jana Caniff and Kathy Lewis.
"Poppy's" grandchildren: Kristy, Kelly, Todd, James, Kristen, Carrie, Taylor, Taryn, Marcie, Scott, Chantal, Danielle, Cody, Daniel, Jeremy, Ryan, Paul, Kimberly, Michael, Joshua, Kilea, Jennifer and Jason. He was predeceased by David and Ross.
Roy also had many great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his great-great grandson Justin.
Roy is survived by niece, Johanna and predeceased by niece Merylee and nephew Mark.
We will all miss you deeply Dad "Poppy" and WE LOVE YOU TO THE STARS!
Family and friends are invited to Celebrate Roy's life on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, with a time of visitation held from 12:00-2:00pm followed by a Prayer Service at 2:00pm the Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT. Burial with military honors will be held with family at a later date.
