The Walk of Life

Article by Russ Olivo

WOONSOCKET - You won’t find Roger Lavallee’s picture next to the word “dependable” in Merriam Webster’s. But maybe you should.

In the kitchen at Chelo’s Restaurant, his reputation for reliability is as solid as a Swiss watch. Never late. Can’t remember the last time he took a sick day.

“He’s here every day – rain, sleet, snow – you name it,” says Restaurant Manager Barry Bennett. “He’s here every day, no matter what.”

But when it comes to punctuality, here’s the kicker for the 64-year-old prep cook, who marks 35 years with Chelo’s this week: The Lincoln resident sticks to his no-matter-what schedule without a car, a bus or even an Uber lift. He walks the whole way from his house in the Manville section. And back home again – usually six days a week.