Auburn – Roland Edward Mahaffy, of 20 Great Falls Plaza, passed to his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Dec. 29, at Clover Manor.

He fought a courageous battle with cancer for seven years. He was born on Sept. 9, 1930, in Bristol, Conn., the son of John W. Sr. and Ruth (Thompson) Mahaffy.

He had four sisters and three brothers. His family moved to North Vassalboro. He attended Waterville High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in the 11th Airborne Division, and served four years during the Korean Conflict. At Fort Campbell, Ky., he trained soldiers in parachuting techniques.

On leave in January of 1950, he met the former Joan S. Towle, whom he married on Dec. 26 of the same year. They just celebrated their 57th anniversary. He was the proud father of three daughters, Joella Girardin and her husband, John, of Poland, Kathleen Bardier and her husband, Michael and Patricia Burgess and her husband, Gregory, all of New Gloucester. He worked at Mavors Service Station and drove trucks and became manager of Axton-Cross Chemical Co. for over 31 years. He had a nursing home ministry locally and in South Paris for 43 years. He taught Sunday School at the Auburn Nazarene Church and served on the board.

He enjoyed garage sales, collecting books on both the Civil War and Word War II. He loved singing hymns and did, until cancer robbed him of it. He was a member of the Auburn Church of the Nazarene, he will be remembered for his love of people.

Besides his three daughters, he is survived by his wife, Joan Mahaffy of Auburn; his grandchildren, Jenny Cross, Chavonne Duteau, Aaron Girardin, Abby Dill, Sarah Burgess, Andrew Burgess and Phillip Burgess; five great-grandchildren, Tiah and Noah Duteau, Emma and Katie Dill and Ellie Cross; his sister, Madeliene LaRoche of Farmington, Conn.; several nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Henry and Jack; sisters, Ruth Russell, Henrietta Johnston and Lorriane Duplessea.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful workers at the Infusion Center at CMMC and Dr. Erickson. Also the loving care he received at Clover Manor, the nurses who also cared for his family while he was there and special thank-you to Bonnie.

One of Roland’s favorite sayings is “There are two types of people, those who are Irish and those who wish they were.” And a special thank-you to the folks at the Esplanade who have been very caring.