KENNEBUNK — Soon after moving to Atria Kennebunk at the end of October, Roger Ciufo didn’t waste any time setting up a writing studio and office space in his apartment.

He began working on a community newsletter, “The Atria Express,” which hit doors on Nov. 11. Creating a monthly newsletter was important to Roger because he felt it would encourage him to get involved with his new community and partake in something he is passionate about.

Atria Senior Living promotes and encourages residents to fulfill ideas like Roger’s because it helps residents to stay active and independent.

“Roger’s newsletter is original. We look forward to seeing the print. He does a terrific job with it,” said co-resident Richard Moore.

Ciufo, a lifelong learner, still actively studies English, literature, and history through his love for reading, writing and researching. He says that working on Atria’s newsletter is a labor of love.

He grew up in Ludlow Vermont; attended the local public schools, and the University of Vermont where he was very active with the Student Council. He earned a Master’s degree in Education from Fairfield University, in Fairfield, Connecticut.     

He had a four year stint from 1951to 1955 in the United States Air Force. Stationed in Japan, as a budget specialist, he was tasked to create a budget for the entire Haneda Air Force Base which he successfully did.

Beyond accounting and business, Ciufo had a lifelong professional immersion in education and administration with many very rewarding posts.

One most memorable project in the late 1960’s stands out for Roger, when he collaborated with U.S. Secretary of Education, Frank Keppel, to design, develop, and implement plans for the creation of Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. 

Ciufo has spent his lifetime advocating for children’s rights in the schools. He also consulted for the Learning Institute, whose focus was to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.

In 1984, Roger moved to Biddeford to be the assistant superintendent of the Biddeford School Department from which he retired in 1994 when his wife passed away.

The connection and relationships he has with God and his family are at his center.  

Ciufo and his wife, Phyllis, were married for more than 55 years and had two daughters, Debra and Linda, and four grandchildren.

He enjoys going out to craft fairs, out to eat with his children, and listening to jazz, especially Benny Goodman. 

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