Roger J. LaLondeNaples , FLRoger J. LaLonde, 72, of Naples, FL passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016 following a sudden illness. Roger was a larger than life personality who loved his family, his community, and sports of all kinds, from professional teams to those competing at the local high schools. "Snookie," as he was known as a kid, was born on February 2, 1944 in Oneida, NY. He was one of 10 children born to Thelma and James LaLonde. He was a gifted athlete in school, exceling at both baseball and basketball. Continuing his love of sports off the field, he spent several years as a sports journalist. Roger and his first wife Dorothy (Fox) were married in 1966 and together they had one daughter, Tracy. They moved to Illinois where Roger transitioned to a new career as the Director of Community Relations and Development at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL. He later served in the same role at Ingalls Hospital in Harvey, IL. Roger married Elizabeth (Jaworski Polyak) in 1987. The couple moved to Marco Island, FL where Roger re-kindled his love of sports journalism by writing for the Marco Eagle and the Naples Daily News. He covered almost every sport for the local prep teams and became one of their biggest fans. Rain or shine, Roger was on the sidelines taking photos, recording stats and rooting them on. He also tried to be a good mentor to the student-athletes, encouraging them to work hard and keep their grades up. Roger was heavily involved in his community as a member of the Marco Chamber, East Naples Civic Association, Morning Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Marco Realtors Association, and he was a 50-year member of the Loyal Order of Moose. Roger loved entertaining people and was a generous host. He will be greatly missed.He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Naples, FL, his daughter Tracy LaLonde (Robby Komljenovic) of Sunny Isles Beach, FL, and the children and grandchildren he loved as his own: David Polyak (Lindsay), of Hopkins, MN, Susan Curran (William) of Happy Valley, OR, Stephen Polyak (Amy), of Coralville, IA, Beth Hykes (Cameron) of Mercer Island, WA, and Nicholas Polyak (Kathryn) of Lombard, IL. Grandchildren: Cole, Luke, Lucy, Will, Eliza, Chase, Joseph, John, Greta, Linus, Ben, Belen, Laken and Gabe. He is also survived by his siblings; David LaLonde (Suzanne) of Sherrill, NY, Dennis LaLonde (Geraldine) of Lancaster, PA, Trudy (Laurin) (Tom) of Oneida, NY, Tarry LaLonde (Susan) of Gainesville, VA, Michael LaLonde of San Antonio, TX, Mark LaLonde (Donna) of Salkirk, NY, Kenneth LaLonde (Lisa) of Williamsburg, VA, and Kim LaLonde (Peggy) of Royal Palm Beach, FL. Also surviving him are his dear niece and nephew, Mark and Denise Secor of Tampa, FL. Roger was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Trude LaLonde, his father, James LaLonde, and his brother Richard LaLonde. Special thanks to Janice and Brian Smith for their help and support for Elizabeth and family during this difficult time. A celebration of Roger's life was held at the home of Nick and Kate Polyak on Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Lombard, IL. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 11:00am at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34120 with light refreshments following at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully appreciated by St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34120, and Marco Island Academy, 2255 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145 in the name of the Roger LaLonde Memorial Fund.