In Memory of Roger Champ Tabolt

Obituary

Roger Champ Tabolt died at home, surrounded by his loving family on November 2, 2021 after an arduous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

He was born July 19, 1932, in Utica, son of the late Lyle, Sr. and Mildred Champ Tabolt. He served in the US Army from 1954-56.

On November 11, 1947 he felt he was the luckiest person alive when Carole Lynch agreed to go to the Armistice Day Parade with him. After a six-year courtship, they were married on September 19, 1953 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Utica. Theirs was a loving union lasting 62 years until Carole’s passing on November 27, 2015.

He was an innovative problem solver who used his mechanical aptitude and intellectual ability first as a mechanic at Gorea’s Motor Express working under his mentor, Matty Luzcko, then as an independent owner of Mohawk Boiler Service and finally, as Superintendent of Buildings, Grounds and Transportation for the Waterville Central School District.

He instilled his fierce work ethic, sense of integrity, honor and his wisdom in his children and they in turn have passed that on to their children. He was an honest hardworking man whose word was his bond.

Roger is survived by his children, Glenn R. and Sharon (Neenan) Tabolt of Clifton Park, NY, Lynne and Domenick Ventiquattro of West Leyden, Warren J. Tabolt and Patrizia of Middleville, NY and Ellen and Mark Kleinhans of Marcy; his eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; Brian and Britta Tabolt (Ilsa & Freya), Erin and Vincent Martyn (Graham, Reid & Willa), Brett and Emily Tabolt (Beau), Laura and Philip Puleo (Domenick, DeAngelo & Luca), Americo and Jessica Ventiquattro (Domenica & Armante), Emily Tabolt and Michael Reyes (Addison & Siana), Ian and Chelsea Tabolt (Quentin and his baby sister expected in February), and Warren R. Tabolt and Kristen Phillips (Teagan, Jovie & Rory). He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Betty Tabolt of MS, and a sister Jean Miller of New Hartford and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and Carole, Roger was predeceased by his sister Ruth Irene, his sister and brother-in-law Bernice & Victor Gorea, Carole’s parents Robert and Ellen Lynch, and her sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Nance Ferenti.

We also wish to thank all the caregivers from Hospice and Palliative Care. A special thank you to Christine and Stacey for their compassionate and loving attention to Roger.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, Genesee and Elizabeth Streets, Utica with military honors. Face masks are required at the church. Calling hours are on Sunday 2-4 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care or Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org)