LEWISTON – Roland Joseph Gosselin, 83, of 235 Webber Ave., Lewiston died suddenly in his sleep on May 31, after enjoying a proud and wonderful evening with friends and his ever-growing family.

He was born in Augusta on May 19, 1926, to Arthur J. and Delia Hamel Gosselin. He was the first child of what was to become nine siblings. He was educated at both Augusta and Lewiston schools. His tenure in school was interrupted to work full-time to help his parents support and his eight siblings. He later attended Bliss College on Lisbon Street in Lewiston and was drafted by the U.S. Army in September 1950 to help fight in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in June 1952, after his service to his country.

Back at home, Roland continued to help support his family by working at Bates Mill Manufacturing for 48 years. While working at the Bates Mill, he worked as a weaver and helped others in the mill as their union steward. In 2007, he was honored for his lifelong commitment to the betterment of fellow mill workers and his community.

He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at Holy Cross Church.

Not one to shy away from responsibility, Roland was a past president for Le Club Richelieu, a past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Council 106, a past Faithful Navigator for the Knights of Columbus Wallace Assembly and president of Holy Cross Seniors.

Roland will be best remembered by his community for his dedication to music and the arts, specifically the Community Little Theatre and St. Dom’s Theater. His production of ‘Les Cloches de Corneville’ in 1983 was his proudest moment, and is still fondly remembered by the French community in Lewiston/Auburn. He will also be remembered by his many nieces and nephews as an avid traveler who loved to collect stamps, figurines, miniature pianos and Vatican memorabilia and was an avid reader. In finality, he will surely be remembered by his siblings for his generosity and his undying devotion to family, their French ancestry and for stepping into the role of the family patriarch after their father passed away in 1952.

In his later years, Roland’s devotion to the Knights of Columbus Council 106 became his predominant avocation. His talent to develop such unique and exotic themes and decorate for their annual May Ball was renowned for its ingenuity and attention to detail.

He is survived by his siblings, Armand Gosselin, his wife, Shirley, Roger Gosselin, his wife, Laurette, Theresa Giem, Rita Gosselin, Raymond Gosselin, his wife, Pauline, Lucien Gosselin, his wife, Anna Rose, and Maurice Gosselin, his wife, Linda; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Roland was predeceased by his father, Arthur J. Gosselin in 1952; and his mother, Delia Hamel Gosselin in 1976; as well as a brother, Arthur Gosselin, and brother-in-law, Richard Giem, both in 2008.