Gerald "Gig" Royea

EAST ENOSBURG– Gerald “Gig” Royea, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 with his family by his side at his home in East Enosburg.  

He was born in Richford on August 3, 1929 to the late Carl and Myrtle (Little) Royea.

Gig grew up in Richford and graduated from Richford High School in 1947. He married Joyce Malone on September 11, 1950, and then was drafted to the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, he moved to East Enosburg where he spent the rest of his life. He worked for Central Vermont Railway for 39 years and owned and operated Hillside Roller Rink for 27 years. Gig loved reading westerns, discussing controversial political topics, camping, riding his side-by-side, mowing his lawn with his John Deere tractor, plowing snow with his Kubota, watching his bird feeder, and he especially loved trips to Brookside Campground to give “Shorty” grief. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on his Giants, Celtics, and Red Sox. Gig put his family first and led by example, he never missed a day of work, and was a strong provider.

Gig is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joyce Royea of East Enosburg; children, Linda Dodd and her husband Dennis of East Fairfield, Darel “Buzz” Royea and his significant other Kim Jacobs of Enosburg, and Brenda “Geegee” Howell and her husband Edward of Aikens, SC;  grandchildren, Jennifer Sutton and her husband Glenn of Auburn, GA, Erica Steiner and her husband Jonathan of Longmeadow, MA, Justin Dodd and his wife Julie of Minot, ME, and Joei Jacobs and her significant other Shawn Zier of St. Albans; 6 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Hilda Royea of Fairfield, and Rose Royea of Champlain, NY; brother-in-law, Barney Malone of Enosburg; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Douglas “Shorty” & Wanda Snider, and David & Kathy Marshia. Besides his parents, Gig was predeceased by a son, Gary Royea; and siblings, Lewis Royea, Madeline King, Ralph Royea, Eric Royea, Robert Royea, and Arnold Royea.

Gig’s family would also like to extend a special thanks to Franklin County Home Health, and family friend Kristen Reed for the special care he received. Gig’s family would also like to thank many friends and neighbors for their support and help through this difficult time.

Due to COVID concerns, a private graveside service will be held at the convenience of Gig’s family in the Missisquoi Cemetery in Enosburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin County Home Health, Hospice Program, 3 Home Health Cir # 1, St Albans City, VT 05478.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com