NEW BEDFORD, MA — Roger Maurice Quintin, 84, of New Bedford, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital, after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Rita E. (Grenier) Quintin, married 62 years and son of the late Oliva and Antoinette (Bergeron) Quintin. He was a lifelong resident of New Bedford.
Roger worked for Kay Windsor (Vanity Fair) for 26 years as a pattern maker and was a retired realtor. He was a Country Music singer since the age of 14 and played in his father's band "Pop's Western Jamboree" and entertained in several Country Western bands including his own Roger Quintin and the Hometowners for over 30 years. Roger sang in both English and French, played the guitar and was an award winning yodeler. He entertained for seniors and at nursing homes up until recently. He was inducted into the Mass. Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and was a member of St. Joseph's Parish in New Bedford.
He was a former member of St. Joseph and St. Anthony Church Choirs. He was an active member, past president and a Legion of Honor recipient of ACA (Association Canado Americaine) since 1946. Also a member of La Ligue Des Franco Americaines and was named Franco American of the Year in 2008. Charter Member of the New England Country Music Historical society, lifetime member of S.E.M.A.R.A. Radio Club.
In his leisure time he enjoyed gardening, watching the Red Sox, playing poker and taking trips to casinos.
Survivors include his wife; six children: Sr. Rhea Quintin, SSJ, Claire Catulo and husband, Tony, Maurice Quintin, Raymond Quintin and wife, Karen, Ronald Quintin and his wife, Carmen and Richard Quintin and his wife, Robin; his siblings: Rita Souza and husband, Edward; his late sister, Lucille Alfonso and her late husband, Joseph, Jeanne Quintin, Paul Quintin and his late wife, Elvira, Leonard Quintin and his wife, Marjorie, Therese Damiano and her late husband, Mario and Doris Quintin; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday afternoon 2-5 PM at Rock Funeral Home. Funeral from the Funeral Home on Monday at 9 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Joseph-St. Therese Church at 10 AM. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Published in the Standard-Times on 8/14/2009