Roger James Hare, of Marshfield, MA, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 11, 2016, in the loving presence of his family: Charline Wright Hare, beloved wife of 66 years; son James Hare and wife Katherine Hare, of Arnold, MD; son Jeffrey Hare and wife Mary Deegan Hare, of Island Pond, VT; daughter Jayne Hare Dane and husband Robert Dane, of Heath, MA; and daughter Joyce MacCarthy and husband Richard MacCarthy, of Marshfield. Roger is also survived by his sister, Barbara Robinson, of Bradenton, FL, five grandchildren, and twin great-grandsons.

Roger was born on November 30, 1926, in Port Ewen, NY, the son of Philip Wesley Hare and Clara Ball Hare, he having grown up in Australia, she of English birth. The family soon settled in Essex, CT, along the South Cove of the Connecticut River, where Roger acquired a love of fishing and hunting in the hands of riverman, Oliver LaPlace. Sister Barbara introduced Roger to best friend Charline Wright. They became sweethearts, graduated Pratt High School together, and eventually married on June 24, 1949.

On June 15, 1944, at age 17, Roger enlisted in the Army of the United States and began active duty during World War II. Once 18, he was sent overseas, first to the Philippines, as a radioman, then to Japan, to dismantle the machines of war. He was Honorably Discharged from the 5th Air Force of the Army of the United States, on November 14, 1946. He would later enlist in the National Guard, spending two years at Fort Bliss, TX.

Returning east, Roger studied Business Administration at New York University, and was subsequently hired as a salesman for American Laundry Machinery, Inc. a position he maintained until near retirement. The family lived five years in Peekskill, NY, before joining the Marshfield community.

Having grown up during the depression, fatherless after the age of twelve, Roger embraced the American Dream. He fished and hunted woods and waters from northern Maine, to the Chesapeake Bay, to Texas. He was the, captain of the "Happy Rabbit", the "King of the Blues", the Marshfield Mariner's fishing reporter. He appreciated his good fortune with family and friends and contributed to the community throughout his life. He was a club and tournament tennis player, member of the Marshfield Badminton Club, the Rod and Gun Club, and the Marshfield Yacht Club. He coached Little League and supported Marshfield High School Ram sports teams.

In his retirement years, Roger devoted service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as Commander of Marshfield Daniel Webster Post 8345 from 1994 to 1996. He was Plymouth District Commander from 1999-2000. Throughout his later years he enjoyed attending and speaking at the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades. He especially enjoyed visiting schools, promoting an understanding of and example of our patriotic tradition. As Commander of the VFW, Roger advanced the maintenance and expansion of the Veterans Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daniel Webster Post 8345 for continued efforts in its regard.

A memorial service will be held to honor his life and passing on April 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 229 Highland Street, in Marshfield Hills. A burial service, with military honors, will follow at the Couch Cemetery. A reception will begin at the VFW Post 8345 lodge on Route 3A in Marshfield immediately following the memorial service. The service, burial, and reception are open to all who wish to honor the life, service, and passing of Roger Hare.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daniel Webster Post 8345 for continued efforts in its regard.