Obituary of Roy S. Kangas
The family and friends of Roy S. Kangas, 65 of Brooksville, Florida and formerly of Rome, are sad to announce his unexpected passing on January 3, 2024.
Roy was born on June 11, 1958 in Aurora, Colorado to the late Roy Edward Kangas and Elizabeth (Daley) Kangas. Roy attended Rome Free Academy and graduated with the class of 1976. He attended SUNY Farmingdale and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Force Missile System Analyst. After four years of serving our country and receiving a Good Conduct Medal, Roy became a Controls Engineer working at PAR Technologies, TrakStar Technologies, and most recently MGS Corporation until his semi-retirement a couple of years ago.
Throughout Roy’s lifetime, he travelled all over the world both as an “Air Force brat” growing up and through his working career where he acquired friends all over the place,and taking his kids on many amazing adventures! Roy enjoyed hiking, biking, and boating with his family. His children have fond stories about hiking with him in any season and biking for many miles or just taking off to a museum or fun location.
Roy lived life to the fullest and will be remembered by all who knew him. Roy loved golfing, baking bread, cooking, eating, drinking. Roy could also be known as a Mr. Fix It, throwing himself into projects that never went unfinished (well, most of the time!). Roy was also an avid reader, loved doing crossword puzzles, and playing chess with his buddies!
Roy is survived by his “later in life companion,” Lori Krebs; three sons, Eric Kangas, Stephen Kangas, and Jacob Kangas; one daughter, Elizabeth (Kangas) Bishop; a step daughter, Emily Seelig; two sisters, Janet (Ron) Townsend, Bluffton, SC, and Joanne (William) Daley, Lee Center; a beloved aunt, Joan Nigro, whom he spoke on the phone with every day; a niece, Crystal Townsend, and her companion, Edwin Nodecker; great nieces, Kiara, Haley, and Avery Nodecker; and many other special family members, including a cousin, Tom (Marcia) Nigro. Roy also leaves behind friends too numerous to mention, including many high school friends he kept in touch with including Lee (Gina) Harmon, whom he considered a brother. Roy will also be sadly missed by his “brother from another country” Ad Van Langeraad along with Ad’s wife, Elly. Roy was predeceased by his grandmother, Dagmar Bergeron; beloved uncle, Victor Nigro; and a step son, David Carlile.
Roy and Lori’s beloved dog, “Llami” will miss their walks, and their cat, “Bones” will miss his attention and treats.
Roy’s funeral will be held on Thursday at 6 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery on Friday at 11 AM.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 6 PM prior to the funeral.
Contributions in Roy’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Rome, Inc. or Jervis Public Library.
“We will keep you in our minds and our hearts all the love we had, which was planted forever growing up with you which will last for all of us a lifetime of unforgettable memories.”