Guill Tool Founder Roger Guillemette Passes Away

A. Roger Guillemette, 81, founder of Guill Tool & Engineering, died Friday, June 5th. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Joseph Arthur and Yvonne (Roy) Guillemette, both Canadian born.

Roger graduated from Coventry High School and served as a machinist in the US Army, 600th Engineering Aviation Maintenance Co. He was stationed in Korea and Mineral Wells, TX.

He and his wife Claudette raised their four children in the village of Phenix, RI where they hosted many a sing-a-long around their piano. Among the many other things in life he thoroughly enjoyed, Roger loved playing Skip-Bo with his family and friends.

An entrepreneur, he established several businesses throughout his lifetime, creating long-term steady employment opportunities for many people. Guill Tool & Engineering Company was established in 1962 and remains in operation today, as a global leader in extrusion tooling. 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. 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.

Professionally, Roger was SE MA Chapter past president of NTMA-RI and a longtime member of the Wire Association and Society of Plastic Engineers. Guill Tool, as a result of Roger’s leadership and drive, remains active in the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Institute of Manufacturing Skills, the Rhode Island STEM Center and other local endeavors for the betterment of the industry and community.  

Memorial contributions may be made to The Johnny Cake Center of Peace Dale, 1231 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale, RI 02879. Visit www.nardolillo.com for online condolences.