Joseph Wayne Roberge, 77, of Grand Isle, Vt., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 3, 1948, in Burlington, Vt., Wayne, as he was best known, was the beloved husband of Blanche for 37 years and a caring father to his daughters, Taunia, Monica, Erica and Theresa.
Wayne devoted 37 years to the U.S. Air Force and Vermont Air National Guard. He proudly served for the Honor Guard Firing Element of the 158th Fighter group, completing his tenure and retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant.
In addition to his career in the military, Wayne was committed to his sobriety for 46 years, with grateful support through AA, and took pride in sponsoring those working toward their own recovery. Wayne was an avid hunter, fisherman and true jack-of-all-trades. He was particularly proud of his time chartering his boat Smokey Joe, offering enjoyment on the lake to others, something he so cherished. Wayne took special pleasure in custom building their family home, as well as many beautiful furniture pieces and special keepsakes for each of his grandchildren. In addition to his personal hobbies, Wayne particularly treasured the memories created while taking cruises; traveling to Australia, Alaska, and Hawaii and on summer camping trips; and spending time with his family. One of his favorite pastimes was preparing his famous venison jerky for his daughters and grandchildren. Not a Christmas would go by when he was not busy in the kitchen creating magic, just to see their excitement when he delivered them each their own special package.
Wayne’s loving spirit is carried by his wife, Blanche (Brown); and their daughters, Taunia Blanchette (Alan Hebert), Monica Roberge, Erica Sawabini (Issa) and Theresa Lewber (Chad). In addition to his wife and children, Wayne is survived by his brother James Roberge (Sandi) of Hinesburg, Vt.; his sister Catherine Timmins (Michael) of Oakland, Maine; siblings-in-law Rose Millette of Milton, Vt., and Leon Brown (Jane) of South Burlington, Vt., and Spring Hill, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, as well as an extended family and several close friends he considered brothers.
Preceding him in peace were his parents, Joseph and Geraldine (Barnes) Roberge, his sister Annemarie Gebo, and his brother Phillip Roberge.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 4 to 6 p.m., at Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, Vt. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Church, 185 Route 2, Grand Isle, Vt. To honor Wayne’s unwavering commitment to our nation’s defense, interment with full military honors will take place immediately following at 1 p.m. at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Rd., Randolph Center, Vt.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To share online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in Sep 17-23 2025.