Roger Edward Fredericks, 83, of Guilford, died on Jan. 11 in the peace and comfort of his home, surrounded by family. He was the husband of Barbara Ann (Smith) Fredericks, whom he loved unconditionally for 56 years. .If you asked Roger, he would tell you that the best thing he ever did was to marry Barbara Ann Smith, a feisty redhead whom he met growing up in Hamden. He and Barbara Ann moved to Guilford in 1958 where they raised three children; their daughter Suzanne and twin boys, Andy and Larry.

Roger was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. He was happiest when with his family in his red house on Graves Avenue. He doted on his grandchildren, Trevor, Noelle, Taylor, Samantha, Danny and Sean, and he loved his daughters-in-law, Christine and JoEllen, and his son-in-law Joel as if they were his own.

Roger possessed an amazing green thumb, and his garden is the envy of everyone who was lucky enough to visit. He had a generous spirit and shared many of his bulbs and plants with others. He and Barbara spent many nights with friends enjoying their love of ballroom dancing. He also spent many years coaching his sons in little league. Being animal lovers, he and Barbara rescued and cared for many cats and dogs.

In his animal family, he is survived by a devoted dachshund, Schnitzel, and his beloved cats: Yam, Cheddar, Esther, and Bucky.

Roger’s family will continue to love and miss him every day.

Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to support Roger’s favorite shelter, The Metrowest Humane Society, 30 Pond St., Ashland, MA 01721, or friends may make donations to the Smilow Cancer Center, 111 Goose Lane Guilford, CT 06437, or the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.  The Guilford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.