Thomas (Tom) B. Roe, III, peacefully passed away with family by his side in Bloomfield, CT on April 7, 2017. He was born on September 26, 1926 in Watertown, NY to William I. Roe and Helen W. Roe. He attended Watertown schools and graduated from Manlius Military. Like many of his generation, he lied about his age and joined the U.S. Air Force at age 17.
He served as a flight engineer on B-29s stationed in Guam. After being honorably discharged, he attended and graduated from Syracuse University where he served as the President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. After graduating from Syracuse University, he joined his father and brother in running Roe Farm Service. He married Barbara Boyce which ended in divorce. He married Elizabeth Gamble Atkinson on February 5, 1977. He and Elizabeth travelled extensively, visiting over 85 countries during their marriage.
Tom was an active participant in various civic duties including serving on the Watertown City Council, Board of the House Good Samaritan, Watertown International Airport, Eastern Federal Feed Merchants, Northside Improvement League, Italian American Club, and was a member of the Ives Hill Country Club and Black River Valley Club.
During his lifetime, Tom lived in Watertown and Clayton, NY, Avon Ct and the Seabury Retirement Community in Bloomfield, CT, his last residence.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, brother, William Roe, and wife, Elizabeth Roe. He leaves behind his son, Thomas B. Roe, IV and wife, Alyse Roe, of Austin, Texas; and daughter, Sarah E. Paddock and husband, Gary Nicholas, of Ogdensburg, New York. Also, surviving Tom are four stepchildren whom he loved as his own: Gay Atkinson Gray and husband, Sam, of Wellesley, Massachusetts; Leslie Atkinson of Valencia, Spain; Todd Atkinson of Omaha, Nebraska and Graham Atkinson of Syracuse, New York. In addition, Tom was blessed with 16 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Tom was a very special person, loved by all who met him. His wit, charm and the caring he had for others will be dearly missed.
Carmon Funeral Home of Windsor has care of his arrangements. To send online notes of condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.