John Francis Roy

John Francis Roy, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2024.

John was born to Helen and Alfred Roy in Syracuse, NY on May 27, 1937. He graduated the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959, and after a brief stint at General Electric, entered the Air Force stationed in both Southern California and Fairbanks, Alaska.

John met and married his wife, Carole (Lynch) in 1962 and had three children: Kimberly (Cleminson), Matthew, and Suzanne (Levi).

He is survived by his three children and 11 grandchildren, Fred (Rachelle), Alex (Claire), Jack, Molly (Douglas), Maddison (John), Dylan (Michele), Savannah, Charles, Nicholas, Griffin, and McKenna— whom affectionately called him “Papa John”. He has five great-grandchildren, Carmella, Emilia, Alfred, Lacoe, and Frederic, with two more on the way! John is also survived by his sister, Judith (Searles) and his brother, Joseph (Vicki). He was preceded in death by Carole in 2023.

John was a business leader in the Twin Cities, helping to found, with five other partners, Lee Data Corporation in the late 1970s. Subsequent to that he was CEO of several companies and lent his marketing expertise to several start-ups and companies as a consultant. Always one with a good story and a laugh, he was well-liked and admired.

The consummate family man, after retirement he could often be found in an auditorium watching grandchildren perform or in the bleachers of a football, soccer, softball, baseball, or basketball game. His strongest legacy is his relationship with his children and grandchildren.

John was also a devoted Catholic and with Carole was involved in every Parish he attended throughout his life. His philanthropic nature came out in many ways, but he did not seek publicity or accolades when he stepped up.

He was active in the University of Notre Dame Alumni club where he had many friends who shared his love of the Fighting Irish, and he and Carole kept in touch with lifelong friends from the Military, Business and their Thoroughbred Racing involvement as well as neighbors and friends they gathered and cherished throughout the years.

A celebration of John will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at St. John’s in Savage, MN with a 9:30 AM visitation and service at 10:30 AM.