Joseph G. (AKA) Jerry Roy, 91, passed away on September 2, 2024. He was born on June 7, 1933, in Rumford, Maine, the fifth of ten children, born to the late Emile and Armande Roy. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by seven of his siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Jane Hester Roy; and their three children: Pamela Roy, living in Australia, Gregory Roy, in Charlotte, N.C., and Monica Maglich (Douglas) in Sarasota, FL. He leaves three grandchildren: Henry Kermond, Natalie Maglich Ward (Brandon), and Christian Maglich; and two great-grandsons, Levi Ward and Thomas Ward. Also surviving are two brothers, Charles Roy and Albert Roy; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jerry graduated from Stephens High School on his 18^th birthday. Following a year-and-a-half working in the local industry, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force, and took advantage of the G.I. Bill to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine. In his senior year, he met his future bride, Jane Hester, and was married in the University of Maine Neuman Center Chapel on November 21, 1959.

Following graduation, he accepted a position at Texaco’s Port Arthur, Texas refinery, where he worked for seven years. During that period was when his three children were born. In the late sixties, he moved the family to West Virginia, joining the Union Carbide Corporation, where he retired at the end of 1993. During that period of his career, he was awarded two patents involving combustion equipment. At his request, UCC released him from the standard employer invention ownership agreement, enabling him to pursue a patent for a non-fouling burner nozzle. He then submitted a description and use of the nozzle to Magraw-Hill publishers, who put the entire write-up in their “Chemical Engineering” trade journal section covering new products. The response from industry was enough to get 3^rd place for the year, which qualified it for a reprint, provided for the top ten. This publicity, plus other trade journal coverage, resulted in a one-person part time-niche business serving numerous industries around the globe.

The return from his company (Ripco Inc.) blessed him with the ability to make wonderful memories of traveling with friends and family, as well as his children’s college educations, and an enhanced retirement.

Jerry was a devout and involved Catholic throughout his life. During his stay in Texas, he was active in the St. Vincent de Paul society, helping the poor. He continued his involvement in the faith, serving 30-years as a CCD teacher at Blessed Sacrament Parish in South Charleston, followed by 20-years as a Greeter/Usher.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Father Paul Wharton officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Family and friends may visit from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 305 “E” Street, South Charleston, WV 25303.

Memories of Jerry may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.