Roy J. Clites

Roy J. Clites, 87, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, died on May 19, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Lorraine, OH on April 2, 1936, and graduated from Brookside High School, Class of 1954, where he excelled as a basketball and football player.

During his career as an electrical engineer, Roy advanced in his field, in management and executive roles until his retirement in 2001.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Gayle (Holl) Clites and his first wife, Evelyn A. Clites, mother of his children, Scott and Susan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances R. Clites of Amherst, NH; daughter Susan and her wife, Penny Brown of Myrtle Beach, SC; son, Scott, and his wife, Lori Clites of Kimberly, ID; his grandchildren, Jessica Smith and Tyler Clites; and four great-grandchildren.

Marrying Fran, Roy added her large, extended family including Karen and Dennis Williams, Tammy and Don Fuccillo, Shawn and XueLan Smith, Pamela Smith and her fiancé Jim Yerakes, Paula and Steven Jacques and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to his family.

Lovingly known as “Papa Roy”, his warm, optimistic, and gregarious personality touched family and friends alike. Roy loved to travel with Fran on adventures they shared locally and internationally, and as snowbirds on Florida’s Gulf Coast. More than anything, Roy cherished being with his family.

A private wake honoring Roy was attended by his family and extended family at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roy’s memory to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.