Roger C. Tolles

On July 1, 2026, Roger C. Tolles, 84, was welcomed home into the arms of the Lord, surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was a lifelong resident of Southington, Connecticut. He spent his childhood on West Street before later building the family home with his wife, Doris, on adjoining land on Spring Street. Roger loved the outdoors. Whether exploring the land he called home, searching for the perfect cedar Christmas tree, tending his garden, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

After attending the University of Connecticut, Roger returned home to work alongside his father, Marshall H. Tolles, and mother, Lily C. Tolles, in the family’s trusted farm and garden equipment sales and repair business, Tolles Equipment Incorporated. He later became the proud owner, dedicating many years to serving customers in the local community and beyond before retiring in 2000.

For Roger, the business was never simply about selling and repairing equipment; it was about people. With his gift of gab and warm personality, he never met a stranger. He made everyone feel welcome, and many customers became lifelong friends. His resourcefulness, determination, and willingness to help earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

Roger shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Doris (Drega) Tolles. Their story began when Roger delivered a tractor to her parents’ property. From that first meeting, he knew she was someone special, and through kindness and persistence, he won her heart. Tossing a penny into the water from the boardwalk along the Connecticut River in Middletown and asking sweetly, “A penny for your thoughts,” became a cherished tradition throughout their marriage; a simple expression of the love, laughter, and companionship they shared every day.

Roger treasured the moments that brought him closest to the people and places he loved; tending his garden, spending time by the ocean, swimming with the kids in the pool, and watching his children grow, play sports, and marry. Family adventures were always filled with laughter. He would pull out of the driveway and ask, “Do I take a right or a left?” and from there, the destination was anyone’s guess; Cape Cod, Maine, Niagara Falls, and countless other places became treasured memories his family will carry forever.

A lifelong animal lover, Roger had a special place in his heart for dogs. His newest companion, Sadie Mae, brought him great happiness, and the quiet bond they shared reflected the gentle and caring man he was.

Even as physical challenges made walking more difficult, Roger’s independent spirit never faded. His beloved tractor allowed him to continue enjoying the outdoors and the freedom he valued so deeply. Some of his happiest moments were spent giving his grandchildren tractor rides; memories they will carry with them forever.

Above all else, Roger was a devoted husband, loving father, and exceptionally proud grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and he was always there with a helping hand, practical advice, or quiet reassurance.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Doris C. Tolles; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristina Lynn and Joseph Pinto of Virginia; his son and daughter-in-law, Steven Charles and Jessica Tolles of Connecticut; his cherished grandchildren, Hailey and Noah; his beloved dog, Sadie Mae; his niece, Laurie Soherr and her husband, Stephen, of Maryland; and his nephew, Christopher Tolles, of California.

Roger will be remembered for his warm smile, easy conversation, unwavering work ethic, quiet determination, and generous spirit. Though he built a successful business and earned the respect of many, Roger would have said his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with Doris and the family they created together.

His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, compassion, and genuine spirit. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s memory to the Southington Land Conservation Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and open spaces of the community he loved. Donations may be made online at http://southingtonlandtrust.org/donate. The staff at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville extend their appreciation to the Tolles family for their trust.

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