Ralph 'Skip' Theodore Roosevelt, age 77, passed away on February 14, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Known to most as 'Skip' he was born on September 26,1946 in Hartford, CT. He attended Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, CT and St. Leo University in St. Leo, FL. His career in the consumer products and food industry spanned decades, working for Purina, Kraft Foods, and RJR Nabisco. In later years, he founded RGI International, a Sales and Marketing Speciality Foods company based out of MA and London. As Managing Director he traveled worldwide and was known for his hard work, sense of humor, and loyalty to friends and colleagues he met along the way.

Skip had a passion for helping others. He served for a year in AmeriCorps VISTA, teaching history at Weaver High School in Hartford, and coaching football for underserved inner-city kids. After moving to Marshfield, MA, he helped start Marshfield Youth Soccer, followed by many successful season championship wins. His home, fondly called The Roosevelt Hotel, was often filled with visitors, some staying for long periods of time, with the appropriate country flag flying to welcome them. He loved spending time with his family, playing golf, driving cross country in his RV, gardening, cooking, and especially loved mowing his grass on his John Deere tractor.

Community was also important to Skip. He was a quiet philanthropist for the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club, as well as various children's charities. He was an active member of St. Christine's church, where he could be found sharing his love of cooking at the annual spaghetti dinner or organizing St. Christine's Annual Golf Tournament. As a long-time member of both Marshfield Country Club of MA and Stonebridge Country Club of Naples, FL, his true handicap is a closely guarded National Security secret.

Skip is survived by his wife Jill, his love of 54 years, his son Brian, daughter-in-law Liz, and grandsons Matthew and Michael of Marshfield, MA, his son John, daughter-in-law Melissa and grandchildren Ethan, Megan, Madison, and McKenna of Bradford and Holden, MA. He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline Polanski of Southington, CT, his sister and brother-in-law Jane and Gerry Gold of New London, NH, his nephews Thomas Polanski of Mooresville NC, Jason Gold of Eugene, Oregon, Penny Polanski (loving wife of his deceased nephew Greg) of Waitsfield, VT and his grandnephews Jake Polanski and Bryan Polanski. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Christine's Church 1295 Main St. Marshfdield on Monday May 20, 2024 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to 'The Marshfield Boys and Girls Club Keystone Teen Program' where Skip was an active supporter. Donations can be made by mail to 37 Proprietors Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050 or online at: Marshfield Boys and Girls Club

For updates on services and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com