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Roland J. RICHARD

  • June 5, 1926 - July 18, 2011
  • Grafton, Massachusetts
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Roland RICHARD

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Memories & Candles

“Jean Ann, Roland, and Russell I wanted to extend my sympathies in the loss of your dad. When I remember back to our years growing up in the old...Read More » ”
1 of 7 | Posted by: Roxanne Auger - Sturbridge, MA

“Roland volunteered for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for many many years. I will miss him visiting us with his bright smile and funny jokes. He...Read More » ”
2 of 7 | Posted by: Brittany Wiest - Westboro, MA

“I've only known Roland for a few years, but it was obvious to me from the beginning that we would become friends. When I retired he welcomed me to...Read More » ”
3 of 7 | Posted by: Dr. Shirley M. Russo - MA

“We will miss seeing Mr. Richard at Biddy Basketball. We always enjoyed and admired the way he worked with the kids, teaching them lessons as they...Read More » ”
4 of 7 | Posted by: Jennifer Merkle - South Grafton, MA

“Thanks for all your years of dedication to the St James Biddy Basketball Program. My vivid memories as a child are of you and Mr Murphy on Friday...Read More » ”
5 of 7 | Posted by: Patrick Warner - Grafton, MA

“Jean Ann, Roland and Russell, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. ”
6 of 7 | Posted by: Gail Lucier Witham - Billerica, MA

“Sorry for your loss. Roland will be missed by many. ”
7 of 7 | Posted by: Jim Henderson - Whitinsville, MA


Roland J. Richard, 85, passed away July 18, 2011. His wife Pearl D. (Latimore) Richard passed away in 1999. He is survived by his children Russell J. and his wife Joanne Richard, Jean Patricks and her husband Bill and Roland Richard, Jr., his sisters Gloria Barthelmes and her husband Wendell and Joan Kelley, grandchildren Daniel, Jacob, Brittany, Michael and Jessica, great-grandchildren Nicholas, Bradley, Caleb, Jazea and Zaria along with several nieces and nephews. Roland also leaves his companion Marcella Benoit with whom he lived. His brothers Leon J. and Ernest F. Richard predeceased him. Roland was born June 5, 1926 in Worcester, son of the late Marie Rose (Guilmette) and Joseph M. Richard. He grew up in Grafton and worked at his family's laundry business as a young man with his siblings. Roland served in the US Army in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Following the war he married his wife Pearl and they raised their children in Grafton. He worked for many years at Wyman Gordon in Grafton. Roland was a lifelong resident of Grafton, member of St. James Church, Quartermaster of the VFW in South Grafton, member of the Knights of Columbus and was active with the Friends of Grafton Elders (FOGE) for 11 years. He also was very active in the Biddy Basketball program at St. James for over 40 years. His great passion was playing the organ and he also enjoyed woodworking. Later in life he spent wonderful time with Marci as they enjoyed traveling and playing the organ. Roland lived a full, vibrant life and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers his family requests memorial contributions to St. James Church c/o Biddy Basketball 89 Main Street S. Grafton, MA 01560. CALLING HOURS & FUNERAL MASS All are invited to calling hours for Roland Friday July 22nd from 5pm to 8pm at RONEY FUNERAL HOME 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton MA 01536. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday July 23rd at 11:00am at St. James Church 89 Main St. S. Grafton MA 01560. He will then be laid to rest with Military Honors at St. Philip Cemetery in Grafton.