Roger Patrick Pinette

Roger “Rick” Pinette, 83, of Athens, Georgia, finished a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease on December 31, 2025.

Rick was born on July 12, 1942 in Fort Kent, Maine, to Pat and Lucille Pinette. Growing up in Maine instilled in him a deep appreciation of nature, and his life was rooted in family, faith, and an abiding love of the great outdoors.

At age 18, Rick joined the United States Army, serving as a tank commander - an experience that showcased and shaped his strong work ethic, sense of duty, and resilience. Following military service, he moved to Virginia where he began his career as an electrician.

Soon afterward, Rick met the love of his life, Joanne Marie Massa. They built a life together in Virginia, sharing sixty years of marriage and raising three children. The last fifteen years of his career were spent traveling the globe, working in US Embassies. After retiring, they relocated to Athens, Georgia in 2017.

Rick felt happiest outdoors, and his love for the land shaped how he lived. He found joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with Joanne and family in the cabin they shared on Jerry Lake in Quebec, Canada. A devoted dog lover, he was especially fond of Golden Retrievers, treasuring their companionship.

Known for his generosity, steady presence, and willingness to lend a hand, Rick maintained a wide circle of friends and lived with humility, kindness, and deep care for those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his children, Michelle, Denise, and Philip; sons-in-law Jim and Dave; daughter-in-law Babs; his beloved grandchildren Nick, Caroline, Laura, Ben, Anne, and Lucille; and his faithful dog, Jazzy. He is also survived by his siblings, John, Mike, Bess, and Kathy, and their spouses and families.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rick’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/.