Earl S. Royce

Earl S. Royce, 79, of Stafford Springs, CT, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. He was born in Monson, MA, son of the late Bert and Verna (Bradway) Royce. Earl attended Monson schools and graduated from Springfield Trade High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and worked at Highland Machine in Springfield, MA as a machinist for 40 years. Earl was a member of the Stafford Fire Department No. 1 for 52 years, Stafford Fish and Game Club for over 50 years, and Stafford Grange No. 1 since 1954, where he was a past Master of Stafford from 1962-1963. He was also a member of East Central Pomona Grange for over 50 years, and the Connecticut State Grange, and National Grange. Earl was formerly a senior league umpire for Stafford Little League, and an avid Red Sox fan. He was the founder of the Nipmuck Trail Riders Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, his garden, playing cards, and shuffleboard. Earl is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, May (Kihl) Royce; three children, Albert Royce and his wife Diane, Earl Royce and his wife Ellen, and Brenda Cayton; four grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, Stacy, and Amber; four great grandchildren, Jarell, Adrianna, Jazzmine, and Aiden; two brothers, Gordon and Phillip Royce; sister, Lorraine Kelly; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Royce. His funeral will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 10 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. Calling hours are on Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the nurses, caretakers, and therapists at Evergreen Health Care Center for all of their care and support. Memorial donations may be made to Stafford Fire Department No. 1, P.O. Box 147, Staffordville, CT 06077, or to the Stafford Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 74, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com