Roger Panciera
Mystic — Roger Peter Panciera, 78, lifelong resident of Mystic, entered into eternal life on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, after a brief illness.
Roger was born in New London on July 25, 1939, the only child of Rugero and Albina Danesi Panciera. He married Glenda E. Ellis on July 16, 1966, at St. Patrick Church in Mystic. He graduated from Stonington High School, Class of 1957. He attended the University of Bridgeport and graduated from the Vaughn School of Barbering. Roger served in the National Guard after graduation.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Roger Panciera Jr. and his partner, Ellen Breault, of Mystic, Heather Panciera of Mystic, and Erin Panciera and her husband, Fredrick Vegliante, of Ledyard; and four grandchildren, Nicholas, Matteo, Madison, and Alexander. He was predeceased by his parents and infant son, Christopher. He is also survived by four grand-dogs, two of which he would walk on Route 27 on a daily basis.
Roger was the owner and operator of Razor’s Edge Barber Shop in Mystic for 46 years. He enjoyed his work and cherished his patrons. He provided more than haircuts; the barber shop was a gathering place in the community, where Roger thoroughly enjoyed socializing with his customers.
He was a past member of the Stonington Board of Education and active in the Knights of Columbus, Mystic Council No. 1943, where he served as a past Grand Knight. He also served on the board of the former Mystic Community Center. He was a strong advocate of youth sports and served as coach/ manager for many local sports teams. Throughout his life, he enjoyed participating in a variety of sports, including golf, skiing, running, slow-pitch softball, boating and fishing. He played both baseball and football in high school and college, and shared many fond memories of playing baseball during his military years. He was an avid New England Patriots and New York Yankees fan, and enjoyed friendly banter with local Red Sox fans. He was a devoted and dedicated family man, always putting others first. He cherished the village of Mystic, though he learned to enjoy traveling with his wife, Glenda. He was fortunate to take several pilgrimages to Europe, and cruises with family and friends. He enjoyed these trips but was always thrilled to come home to Mystic. Roger loved spending time with his grandchildren; going for boat rides, playing catch in the yard, and attending their sporting and school events. He was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He instilled a love of sports and participation in the surrounding community in his family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at St. Patrick Church, 32 E. Main St., Mystic, where Roger was a lifelong parishioner and an active member of the choir. Burial will be private.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Mystic Funeral Home on Route 1 in Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick Church Choir or St. Patrick Church, 32 E. Main St., Mystic, or Knights of Columbus Council #1943, 43 Hatch St., Mystic, CT 06355.
The family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave a note of condolence.