NARRANGANSETT, R.I.—A. Roger Guillemette, founder of Guill Tool & Engineering Co., died June 5 in Narragansett. He was 81.
An entrepreneur, he established several businesses, including Guill Tool in 1962. The extrusion tooling firm remains in operations today.
“Until recently, Roger was very active as the CEO and always an inspiration to his employees, as his passion for engineering quality products and customer solutions never waned,” the company said in a statement. “He had been a fierce advocate for U.S. manufacturing on local and national levels, participating in many organizations as well as advocating for STEM education in the state of Rhode Island.”
Guillemette was past president of the National Tooling & Machining Association of Rhode Island's Southeast Massachusetts chapter and also was a longtime member of the Wire Association and Society of Plastics Engineers. Through his leadership, Guill Tool remains active in the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, the National Institute of Manufacturing Skills and the Rhode Island STEM Center.
He is survived by his wife, Claudette; daughters Jeanne (Chris) Steers and Diane Guillemette; sons Richard (Yris) and Kino (Kerry) Trotta; brother Albert; and five grandchildren.
Contributions can be made to the Johnny Cake Center of Peace Dale, 1231 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, R.I. 02879.