Joseph Francis "Sonny" Roy

June 11, 1941 – May 11, 2026

Newport, Vermont

Joseph Francis "Sonny" Roy, 84, of Newport, Vermont, passed away on May 11, 2026. Sonny was the kind of man who made people feel welcome wherever they met him—at one of his businesses, around the kitchen table, on the golf course, or out for a motorcycle ride with friends. A familiar and respected presence in the Newport community for many years, he was known for his quick wit, generous heart, strong work ethic, and unique and unforgettable sense of humor.

Born in Barre, Vermont, on June 11, 1941, to Bernard "BJ" and Marie Anna Roy, Sonny was the sixth of eight children. As a young boy, his mother gave him the nickname "Sonny," saying his bright blond hair reminded her of sunshine — a name that stayed with him throughout his life.

Sonny attended Sacred Heart School and Newport High School before enlisting in the Army National Guard at the age of 17. He began working at Roy's Tire Service and eventually became owner and operator of the family business, turning it into a well-known Newport landmark.

In 1963, Sonny married Dorothy Sheldon of Beebe, Quebec — the love of his life and his partner in every sense of the word. Together they shared 58 years of marriage, raising four sons: Dan, Kevin, James, and Bradley "BJ." Their life together was built on loyalty, hard work, resilience, and laughter.

Over the years, Sonny pursued several successful business ventures in Newport, including the Anchor Pub, One Stop Mini Mart, and East Main General Store. Alongside Dorothy, he later co-founded Roy's Real Estate, where Dorothy worked as a Realtor and Sonny as a Broker and Appraiser. Together, they made an exceptional team, balancing business, family, and friendship with remarkable dedication.

Sonny loved traveling, spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and returning to Newport for summers with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren at sporting events, sharing stories, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. He had a gift for conversation, a talent for making people laugh, and a way of making everyone feel like an old friend.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, mentor, and loyal friend. Sonny was a natural storyteller, a jokester with perfect timing, and someone people could always count on. More than anything, he loved his family deeply and took great pride in providing for them.

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy in 2021; his sons Kevin and BJ in 1987; his parents; siblings Alene Judd, George Roy, Gilberte Bennett, Mariette Moeykens, Joette Lantagne, and Michael Roy; and his brother-in-law Alan Sheldon.

He is survived by his sons Daniel & Sarah Roy and James & Sul Yin Roy; his grandchildren Nicole & Brittany, Mitchell, Tristan & Zach, BJ, Brett, and Noah; his sister Monique Herlocker; as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and members of the community whose lives he touched.

Calling hours and a funeral service will be held Friday, June 5th, from 9:00–11:00 AM at Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home 4670 Darling Hill Road in Derby, Vermont. A private burial will be held at a later date. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned & operated.