Roger Douglas Breunig

Born in New Haven on April 25, 1939, he was the son of the late William J. and Marie Rourke Breunig. Roger grew up in New Haven and graduated from Notre Dame High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Haven.

Roger dedicated over 40 years of his career to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as a Design Engineer. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sandra Fontanella—his beloved wife of 59 years. During his tenure at Pratt & Whitney, Roger earned two patents and was a D.E.R. (Designated Engineering Representative) by the FAA. His work brought him across the United States and around the world, and he formed many lifelong friendships during those years.

A self-proclaimed “gearhead,” Roger had a lifelong passion for cars, boats, and engines. As a young man, he spent countless hours learning engine repair from his Uncle Bart and continued to expand his mechanical knowledge throughout his life. He often asked, “When was the last time you checked your oil?”—a classic “Dad” reminder. Roger had a special love for Corvettes, with his final one being a 1993 Ruby Red. In his younger years, he made history by driving the first super stock car to surpass 100 mph at Connecticut Dragway.

Roger proudly served stateside in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

After retiring in 2000, Roger and Sandie moved to Rogers Lake in Old Lyme—a place dear to his heart from childhood summers. There, “Captain Roger” could often be seen out on the water, pulling his grandsons on tubes and water skis or zipping around on his jet ski. For nearly 20 years, he and Sandie also spent part of each year in North Hutchinson Island, Florida, where they built another close-knit circle of friends.

Roger was deeply involved in his community. He served as a trustee for the Old Lyme Historical Society and was a member of the WPCA. He was also a two-time commander of the Meriden Power Squadron and served on the executive board of the Pattaconk Yacht Club.

As an avid boater, Roger enjoyed exploring Long Island, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and much of the Eastern Seaboard and Canada by boat. In retirement, he and Sandie continued to travel extensively throughout the U.S., as well as to Europe, Alaska, and Nova Scotia. One of his favorite memories was a three-week family RV trip out West—visiting seven states, parts of Canada, and many national parks.

Roger was endlessly proud of his family and often said he "wouldn’t trade daughters for anything." That sentiment extended to his grandsons, whom he supported at countless soccer, basketball, football, baseball, track, Tae Kwon Do, and gymnastics events. He was their biggest cheerleader—always ready with a proud smile and what he lovingly called his “quiverlip” when he spoke of their accomplishments.

Roger will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Always quick with a joke and a warm conversation, he believed it was a good day if he could make someone smile. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra; daughters Kimberly Iannacci (William III) of Lunenburg, MA, and Darcy Agro (Craig) of Haddam, CT; and grandsons William Iannacci IV, Anthony Iannacci (fiancée Taiisia), Connor Agro (wife Olivia), and Ryan Agro (fiancée Marina).

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 9, from 9:00–11:00 AM at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme. Burial will immediately follow at Duck River Cemetery in Old Lyme.

To view the Mass online, visit christthekingchurch.net and select “Livestream Mass link” on the homepage. Scroll down to the weekday Mass section.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund.