WEST WARWICK, R.I. — A. Roger Guillemette, who founded extrusion die maker Guill Tool & Engineering Co. Inc., died on June 5.
Guillemette, 81, was born in Providence, R.I., the son of the late Joseph Arthur and Yvonne Guillemette, who were both natives of Canada. After graduating from high school, he served as a machinist in the U.S. Army, 600th Engineering Aviation Maintenance Co. He was stationed in Korea and Mineral Wells, Texas.
Guillemette founded Guill Tool in 1962, becoming a key player in extrusion tooling. Until recently, he was very active as the company's CEO, inspiring employees with his passion for engineering quality products and customer solutions, according to an obituary issued by the company.
The West Warwick-based company remains family owned.
“He had been a 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,” the company said.
Guillemette was active in the local chapter of the National Machining and Tooling Association, serving as president, and was a longtime member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and the Wire Association.
As a result of Guillemette's leadership, Guill Tool remains active in the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, National Institute of Manufacturing Skills, the Rhode Island STEM Center and other local industry and community groups.
Roger Guillemette and his wife, Claudette, raised their four children in the village of Phenix, R.I., where they hosted many a sing-alongs around the piano, and enjoyed games of Skip-Bo with family and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made the Johnny Cake Center of Peace Dale, 1231 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale, R.I. For online condolences visit www.nardolillo.com.
