Roger J. Ciufo

SACO — Roger J. Ciufo, 92, passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

He was born in Ludlow, Vermontt, on May 19, 1929, the son of Alexander and Lena Marro Ciufo. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Valente, Aug. 16, 1958, at St. Peter’s Church in Rutland, Vermont.

Roger graduated from Black River High School in Ludlow. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Vermont. Roger graduated in 1965 from Fairfield University in Connecticut with a Master’s Degree in Education.

Roger served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until 1955. While serving, he worked on the budget for the Haneda Air Force base. He was a member of the Air Force Jazz band playing the clarinet.

After his service, he returned to Ludlow, Vermont, and began teaching at his alma mater. He continued his career in education in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. A highlight of his career was collaborating with the US Secretary of Education during the late 1960s. He worked with General Learning Corporation to establish Community Colleges including Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey.

While in Vermont, he assisted in implementing the educational specifics for Mill River Union School in Clarendon, Vermont.

He later served as the Assistant Principal of Green Mountain High School in Chester, Vermont.

In 1984, he moved to Biddeford, Maine, and served as assistant superintendent of schools from 1987 until he retired in 1997.

Roger enjoyed daily reading of the New York Times, watching the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees, but his focus was always his family.

In recent years, while he was a resident of assisted living facilities, he created a monthly newsletter that included present-day news highlights, interesting historical stories, and interviews of staff and residents. His newsletter always ended with words of wisdom which he called Thoughts of the Day. One of his messages was this one: “We do not know what future challenges may bring, nevertheless, we should resolve to live each day to the best of our ability and not willingly retreat without resistance.”

Roger is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Ciufo in 2013.

Survivors include: two daughters, Linda Mullin of Rutland, Vermont and husband Michael, and Debra Comar of Old Orchard Beach and husband Scott; four grandsons, Michael, Matthew and Luke Mullin and Stephen Comar; a great-grandson Colton Comar; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held Monday Feb. 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. St. Margaret Church, Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

Late spring funeral services will be held in Ludlow, Vermont with a burial to follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow concluded by US Air Force Military Honors.

Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home are entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Biddeford High School to create a scholarship to be awarded to a graduating senior in Roger Ciufo’s memory. Donations may be sent to Biddeford High School, 20 Maplewood Ave, Biddeford, Maine 04005 Atten. Joyce Pullinen.