J. Roger Sisson

J. Roger Sisson, 87, of Tiverton, RI died peacefully on Wednesday, September 3 surrounded by his children. Born in Portsmouth, RI on August 14, 1921, he was the second of four children born to the late George L. and Mary Corcoran Sisson. He was the loving and devoted husband of 64 years to the late Jacqueline Hamel Sisson, who died in May 2008. In spite of efforts by family and friends to buoy his health and spirits, God gave him his wish and returned him to his beautiful wife, where he will be forever. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, J. Roger lived a full, storied and rich life. He attended Spencer Borden Elementary School, Morton Junior High School and BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, MA. He enrolled at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania from 1942 to 1944, completing college courses early to enlist in the armed forces. A veteran of World War II and a true patriot, J. Roger was a member of the 106th Infantry Division, where he served as Technical Sergeant. In January 1945, after having fought in the Battle of the Bulge, he was declared missing in action. He was held as a prisoner of war in Germany for nearly six months until being liberated on Good Friday, 1945, by troops commanded by General George Patton. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, three Battle Stars and numerous other citations. He attended Providence College on the GI Bill after his service in World War II.As a civilian, J.Roger continued his commitment to public service. In 1954, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served for three consecutive terms representing Ward 9 in Fall River and the Town of Somerset. During his tenure he was committed to labor, employment and land-use issues. In 1959, he led a walk from Fall River to Boston to raise awareness about transit worker rights, which paved the way for productive, strike ending negotiations. A communications professional, much of his career was spent as part owner and operator of the Fall River radio station, WALE. His early morning radio program, The Somerset Story, broadcast from the kitchen of his 159 Brayton Avenue home in Somerset, made him a local celebrity. His listeners tuned in for the daily Clothes Line Report, and will long remember his trade mark Nice day today! and the panorama is simply outstanding! J. Roger loved animals, and in 1947, together with his wife, Jacqueline, chose to raise their family on a working horse farm in Somerset. In 1964, the family moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island where he continued his active interest in local politics and community issues. He helped organize Navy Band events at the Middle Avenue Gazebo, a longtime neighborhood favorite.Known for his strong and vocal opinions, Roger will be remembered for his interest in history, politics and current events. He was an avid and skilled story teller, with the capacity to capture an audience with his humor, emotion and candor.J. Roger is survived by his brother and business partner of many years, George L. Sisson Jr., and his wife Patricia Doyle Sisson of Bristol, RI. His siblings, Lawrence Sisson and Nancy Sisson McGrady, predeceased him. Roger leaves his children Jay Sisson and his wife Marisa Quinn of Jamestown, RI; Rick and Donna Sisson of Portsmouth, RI; Jacqueline Sisson Roppolo and husband Frank of Bridgewater, MA; Gregory Sisson and his partner Joan Woodword of Tiverton RI; and Lincoln and Joanne Sisson of Warren, RI. He was the father of the late Paula Sisson and Christine Sisson-Settino. He will be remembered with warmth, humor and affection by his grandchildren: Aura Sisson-Castro of Jacksonville Florida, Sarah Sisson of New York, NY, Rachel and Julia Sisson of Portsmouth, RI; Laura and Gregory Settino of Hingham, MA; Christine Sisson of Nantucket, MA; Alexia, Ryan and Mia Sisson of Warren, RI; Katelin and Grahm Sisson of New York, NY. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Madeline Hamel of Westport, MA, his brother-in-law William H. McGrady of Naples, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 am at St. Barnabus Church, East Main Road, Portsmouth, Rhode Island.