Roger Lee Atkins

Winsted:  Roger Lee Atkins passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 17, 2021.

He was born June 29, 1942, to Roland H. and Minnie (Perry) Atkins of Winsted.  He is survived by his loving wife, Victoria (Thiery) Atkins; his daughter Amanda Lee Atkins of Decatur, GA; and his son Adam Preston Atkins and wife Jennifer, and grandchildren Nicholas, Elizabeth and Christopher of Harwinton, CT.

He is also survived by his brother Donald L. Atkins of Winsted.  He was predeceased by his brother Harry T. Atkins; and sisters Mary Goddard and Eleanor Fancher.

He was a descendant of H. O. Atkins, inventor of ribbon candy and the late proprietor of the Atkins Kandy Kitchen located on Main Street in Winsted for many years.

Roger was a graduate of the Winchester School System, class of 1960, the first class to graduate from the new Gilbert School on Williams Ave.  He was a talented musician that played the organ for his own graduation that year and continued the tradition of playing for graduations for several decades.

Roger was a veteran of the Air Force, stationed at Torrejon AB, Spain for 3 years in the early 60's and was the organist at the Protestant Chapel there for about 2 years while being assigned to Air Police work for most of the time.

After returning home from Spain, he enrolled at Hartt College of Music, University of Hartford and graduated in 1968.  He taught vocal music classes in the elementary schools in Colebrook, Norfolk and Barkhamsted for 33 years.

Roger had a passion for the pipe organ and he began playing as a church organist at the age of 13.  His over 60 years of service were primarily at First Church of Winsted, St. Joseph's Church of Winsted, 2nd Congregational Church in Winsted and West Hartland Congregational Church.  He was guest pianist frequently during the summer months at the Church in the Wildwood and loved playing for their hymn sings.

In his free time, he was an avid walker, gardener, Woodworker and traveler.

There will be a musical celebration of his life to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the organ fund of the 2nd Congregational Church or to a charity of your choice.

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