Richard A. Roessler, 87, of Barton, Vermont  passed away peacefully on Monday December 25,2023 at North Country Hospital in Newport, Vermont.

Dick was born on June 26, 1936 in Hempstead, New York to May E. (Flanagan) and Richard E. Roessler.  In his youth Richard moved to Freeport, New York.  He enjoyed playing baseball at the local park.  He also enjoyed coaching a girls softball team as a young man.  It was there on Labor Day weekend he met the girl of his dreams Elise Anne Travis.  They were married later that same year on December 23, 1961 and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Richard worked for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company as a stockboy and eventually as manager while living on Long Island, New York.

On December 11, 1961, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Fort Dix, New Jersey.  Dick later attended training in Fort Benjamin-Harrison and was then assigned to Fort Manmouth, New Jersey as a clerk typist.  He was honorably discharged in 1964.

In 1964 Richard returned home to Merrick, New York, and went to work at A & P on Long Island.

Their son's Richard B. and Ronald J. were born in 1965 and 1967 respectively.  The family remained on Long Island until September 1973 when the family relocated to Vermont.  It was then that Dick pursued his dream of owning his own store.  He purchased Dean's Store in Orleans, VT and the family moved to their home on the former Eastern Avenue in Barton, Vermont.

After 10 years Richard became the manager of Brook's Drug Store on the causeway in Newport.  He built the store up to become the store with the highest profit in the whole company.  Dick retired in 2001.

Dick enjoyed playing golf with his wife at the Orleans Country Club.  He also enjoyed reading mysteries and watching old movies.  Richard was a devout member of St. Peter's Episcopal Mission in Lyndonville, Vermont, serving as former senior warden and as the treasurer for many years. Dick was also active in scouting serving as District Chair.  He was also a silver bearer recipient in 1996.

Dick will be remembered as  a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his sister Adolphine "Phina" Roessler, and his brother Jim Roessler.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Elise "Winkie" Roessler, sons: Fr. Richard B. Roessler and his wife Certified Licensed Deacon Tami (Gardner) and their daughters Allyson (Roessler) Haire and her husband Wayne and Megan.  His younger son Ronald J. and his wife Kerina (Harris) and children, Nikole, Adelaide and Ryan.

Funeral services were held at St. Peters's Episcopal Mission on Saturday December 30, 2023 with his son Fr. Richard B. Roessler presiding.  Interment will take place in the Spring in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, CT. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.