Roger Potvin

Uncasville — Roger Raymond Potvin, age 76, of Uncasville, passed away peacefully at his home on Aug. 5, 2017.

He was born in Springfield, Mass., on Feb. 18, 1941, to the late Leo William and Aldona Louise (Ains) Potvin.

He was a graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and worked as an engineer for the following 20 years. He later became the co-owner of Camelot Travel Agency until he retired to pursue his passion as a sailing captain. After his retirement he began his third career as owner and instructor of the American Sailing Academy in New London where he taught more than 500 people how to sail aboard his sailboat Camelot. He embarked on countless sea adventures hallmarked by a sailing voyage from New London to Key West, accompanied by a crew of family and friends.

Roger was active in the community and proud of his accomplishments through the Montville Rotary Club, the creation of the WWII Subvets Wall of Honor in Groton, and as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Roger is survived by his son, William Roland Potvin of Davenport, Fla., and three daughters, Annette Naylor and her husband, Everett, of Uncasville, Deborah Roberts and her husband, Douglas, of Colchester, and Jennifer Firmenich and her husband, Damien, of Switzerland. He is also survived by his partner, Sandy Walsh of West Hartford. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Julianne, Jaclyn and Andrew Martin, Nicholas, Sarah, and Marina Naylor, Patrick and Kyle Roberts, and Brian, Marissa, and Michael Torsiello.

He was one of 10 children and is survived by his sisters, Jeannette Sommerville, Irene Scanlon, Doris Potvin and Jeanne Mathis. He was predeceased by his sister, Leona Smola, and brothers, Omer Potvin, Albert Potvin, Ernest Potvin, and Leo W. Potvin Jr.

Family and friends may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, 63 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. John’s Church, 22 Maple Ave., Uncasville.

Flowers are welcome or, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to The Ledge Light Foundation at www.ledgelighthouse.org.

Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for the Potvin family.