Roger Drake Bacon, Jr.

OXFORD – Roger Drake Bacon Jr., 90, of Elm Street, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in his home surrounded by his wife and loving family.  He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Myrtle C. (Hamilton) Bacon of Oxford; four daughters, Virginia L. Beamsley and her husband Alan of Gallup, NM, Catherine L. Looney and her husband John of Holland, Jane E. Bania of Oxford, and Sara J. Bacon of Culver City, CA; a brother, Bruce “Butch” P. Bacon and his wife Delane of Florida; two sisters, Bonnie A. Boyle of Charlton, and Annie L. Corriveau and her husband Steven of Naples, FL; his sister-in-law, Sandra J. Bacon of Charlton; eight grandchildren, Meghan E. Looney and her partner Raymond Gonyea, Heather E. Wilson and her husband Michael, Daniel B. Looney and his wife Rebecca, Jason M. Harty and his wife Kelsey, Maureen C. Connery and her husband Scott, Craig A. Beamsley, Cameron M. Beamsley and his fiancée Kiana Ruch, and Kristen E. Bania and her fiancé Matt Tecci; twelve great-grandchildren, Dylan, Elizabeth, Peyton, Caiden, Sean, Teagan, Evan, John, Liam, Luke, Daniel, and Andrew; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Martin A. Bania; a brother, John “Jack” R. Bacon; a sister, Nancy J. Bennett; and an uncle who was like a brother to him, Donald E. Gagne.

He was born in Spencer, son of the late Roger D. and Loretta F. (Grenon) Bacon Sr., and lived in Spencer before moving to Oxford in 1947.  He graduated from Oxford High School in 1951 and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Worcester State University.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War.

Mr. Bacon was the principal at Oxford High School for 13 years, retiring in 1994.  He began his career at Oxford High School in 1961 and worked as a math teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and assistant principal prior to becoming principal.  Throughout his life he remained active in Oxford education and was a mentor to many.  He served as chairman of the building committee during construction of the new high school building, and the gym was named the Roger D. Bacon Gymnasium in his honor.  Through his time at the high school, Mr. Bacon and his wife proudly attended 69 proms.

Mr. Bacon was active in local sports.  He was a member of the MIAA and was the Central Massachusetts Director of High School Basketball for 43 years.  He was a fan of all the New England Sports Teams, and held season tickets for the UConn Girls Basketball team for many years.  He was a dedicated educator and supporter of local sports inside and outside of the classroom, and he attended all sporting events and meetings to support the school.

Mr. Bacon served on many town committees in Oxford. He was named “Man of the Year” in Oxford and was known to many as Mr. Oxford.  He was chairman of the Oxford Bicentennial Committee.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford and served on many church committees as well.  He was a member of the Oxford Lodge of Masons for 70 years.  

Mr. Bacon enjoyed spending time at his summer home on Sebago Lake in Maine.  He was an avid fisherman, won many fishing awards, and enjoyed sharing his passion for fishing and Sebago Lake with others.  He enjoyed square dancing and round dancing, and traveled around the country and Canada dancing.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.  His wife Myrtle knew the importance of supporting education and sports as he did, and she remained by his side attending events and supporting sports for over 70 years.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford.  Burial with military funeral honors will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford.  Calling hours are Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  Following the burial, a celebration of his life will be held at Point Breeze Restaurant in Webster, and everyone is invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Roger D. Bacon Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Webster Five Cents Savings, 343 Main St, Oxford, MA 01540, or to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 585, Oxford, MA 01540, or to the Worcester State University Alumni Association, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602.