Roger Francis Kunzig

Roger Francis Kunzig, 83, of Torrington, Connecticut passed away on February 12, 2025 surrounded by his beloved family.  Roger, an only child, was born February 8, 1942 in Torrington, Connecticut to parents, Rose Bellotti Kunzig and William Kunzig.  

Roger was known for his hard work ethic.  From the very early age of 15, until his retirement at 70, he rarely took a day off.  His work included ice cream making at the Clover Dairy,  delivering milk for the Cooperative Dairy; and lastly serving as a construction blasting superintendent for Vet’s Explosives for his last 40 years of employment. 

Work hard- play hard were words Roger lived by.  He had many friends and loved to entertain them.  His house was always filled with music and laughter- and animals!   A stray animal never walked by Roger without becoming a family member.  As his four grandchildren came along, so did his new lease on life.  He was so incredibly proud of each and every one of them and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them.  Ever present Grandpa was their biggest fan! 

Roger and Lillian enjoyed traveling for years.  They visited countless locations, many times accompanied by Roger’s best friend and brother-in-law, Roger Newbury and Lillian’s sister, Pat.  While the tropical beaches were amazing, Roger really enjoyed the historical sites around the world.  In 2003, Roger and Lillian accompanied Lisa to Shanghai China.  While there they also visited Bejing, climbed the Great Wall of China, walked in Tiananmen Square and strolled through the Emperor’s Summer Palace.  Roger often said this trip was something he’d remember his entire life.  He had the pleasure of escorting home his third grandchild, Emma from that beautiful journey.

There was no place like home for Roger.  He loved his home. A perfect day of his would be sitting on his deck overlooking his pool.  A Red Sox game would be playing on his portable radio.  The sun would be shining on his tanned skin and he’d be drawing on a nice cigar.  He kept his property like a pristine park.  His bountiful vegetable and flower gardens were the envy of many.  

He leaves behind the love of his life for over 65 years, wife, Lillian Chausse Kunzig.  Also remaining to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Christine (Lon) Albano and Lisa (Bruce) Oakley His grandchildren, the apples of his eye, will carry on his legacy.  Grandchildren include Jordan Albano (Dan) Borgman, Spencer Albano (wife Danielle Albano), Emma Oakley and Dylan Oakley.  Roger was also blessed with a great grandson, Archer Borgman and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of another great grandchild, due in July.  Memorial services will be held at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Ave, Torrington, Connecticut, Saturday, February 22.  Guests may pay their respects from 10am-12pm.  A short prayer service, celebrating his life will begin at noon.  In lieu of flowers,  a donation to one of Roger’s favorite charities would be welcome.  They include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Boys Town.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Francis Kunzig, please visit our floral store.