Roger E. Nowlin

Roger E. Nowlin, 98, of New Salem, MA, formerly of Leominster, MA, passed away peacefully after a short illness at his home on Monday, January 23rd surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was born in Concordia, MO on December 15, 1924, the son of the late Floyd and Viola (Meyer) Nowlin. He attended Concordia schools and received his degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Missouri School of Mines, Rolla, MO and his master’s degree from Kansas University. During World War II, Roger served as a B-17 and B-29 navigator and pilot for the Army Air Corps. Roger joined the General Electric Company as a metallurgical engineer in Lynn, MA, Schenectady, NY, and Fitchburg, MA, retiring after 35 years. During this time he received his master’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute where Roger and his team were honored in Washington, D.C. for their small business project. As a metallurgical consultant for GE, Roger was sent to Europe and Asia to inspect steel for use in GE’s turbines and would return home to share his wonderful travel stories of landscapes and cuisine with his family.

During his retirement years Roger, with the G.E. Elfun Society, mentored elementary students in Leominster and New Salem in science and aeronautics. After moving to New Salem, Roger also served as the Deputy Vice Commander for the American Legion with his local post Post 102 Athol.

During his lifetime Roger shared his lifelong love of learning, travel, gardening, fishing and science with his family. His family fondly recalls the five week trips on various routes to his home state of Missouri.

Roger is survived by his children Lynn Major and her husband Jim, Ann O’Connor and her husband Oscar, Joan Nowlin Thompson, DDS, and John Nowlin and his wife Jennifer. Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren Patrick, Ryan, Kate, Kevin, Neil, Gracie and Sam; and great-grandchildren Quinn and Jack. Roger leaves his cherished in laws Ed and Ginny and eight nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Roger also leaves his much loved partner of eighteen years Marion Leslie. Roger is predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty years, Mary, his sister Leola and grandson Henry.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2022 at 11:00am in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main Street, Leominster, MA. Burial to follow in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 30, 2022 from 5-7pm and Tuesday, January 31, 2022 from 9-10am in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA.

Memorial donations made in his memory to the Athol American Legion Post 102, Athol, MA or to the Shriners at lovetotherescue.org.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.brandonfuneral.com

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA is assisting with arrangements.