Dexter–Roy J. Laferriere, 85, passed away on October 30, 2026.

Roy was born in Eagle Lake, Maine, on January 5, 1941. In 1959, he moved to Dexter with his mother and siblings, where he began working at Dexter Shoe. In August of 1961, he married Barbara (Clukey) Laferriere. Together, they made their home in Dexter, where they raised their family and built a lifetime of memories.

Roy was a true jack-of-all-trades who could build just about anything. He had a passion for woodworking and spent countless hours creating furniture, toys, entire kitchens, and just about anything else someone might need. He was a hands-on kind of man who preferred to do things himself and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. If Roy built it, you could be sure it was “RoyBuilt.”

When he wasn't busy creating something in his workshop, Roy could often be found tinkering and puttering around his garage. He loved taking drives around town in his Jeep and going on road trips, sometimes with no particular destination in mind. For Roy, the joy was simply in getting out and going.

Music was another one of Roy's great loves, and he believed it was always better a little louder. He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and was known to have his speakers hanging out the windows. It was a familiar back-and-forth between Roy and Barbara, with Barbara telling him, “Turn it down!” and Roy happily replying, “Turn it up!” That playful exchange was just one of the many things that made Roy so memorable.

Roy leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his children: Laurie and her husband, Bruce Hathaway; Michael and his wife, Susan Laferriere; Kimberly and her husband, Patrick Kelley; and Kevin and his wife, Tammy Laferriere. He also leaves his special companion, Betty Laferriere; his brother, Joel Laferriere, and his wife, Sandra; and his grandchildren: Heather, her husband, Greg Molind, and their children, Hadley, Hannah, and Gavin; Hillary, her wife, Kaylyn Laferriere, and their daughter, Charley; Taylor Kelley and her daughter, Trú; Colin Kelley; Morgan, her husband, Michael Diffin, and their son, Emmet; and Ryan Laferriere. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, Roy was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Eva, and his siblings, Lionel, Lucien, Norman, Reginald, Juliette, Orel, Patrick, Annette, and James.

Roy will be remembered for his unwavering love and support for his family, remarkable ability to make and fix just about anything, his generous willingness to help others, his love of music and adventure, and the unmistakable personality that filled every room. His hands were rarely still, and the things he built, the people he helped, and the memories he created will remain part of his family's lives for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roy's memory may be made to the American Stroke Association.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Dexter Saturday November 21st at 10am. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter. Following the burial, all are welcome to join the family at the VFW hall for a celebration of Roy’s life.