AUBURN — Roland L. Martin passed away peacefully at Androscoggin Hospice surrounded by his family.

Roland was born in Bath and spent his childhood years in Auburn, where he graduated from Edward Little High School in 1939. He attended Bliss Business College from 1939 to 1941. In 1941 Roland married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Elizabeth Austin.

Roland entered the United States Air Force in 1943. He served in the European theater during World War II until 1945. Upon his discharge, Roland returned to his native Maine and joined the New England Telephone Co. After 37 years, Roland retired as a communications engineer, working in South Portland and Manchester, N.H.

Roland and Arlene enjoyed retirement by traveling the U.S. in their motor home and experienced many warm winters in South Florida. Over the years, Roland and Arlene, their children and extended family spent many summers at the family compound at Flying Point in Freeport.

While living in New Hampshire, Roland was active in the Boy Scouts. Roland was a Master Mason at Bektash Temple in Nashua, N.H. Roland was also a deacon and trustee at Brookside Church in Manchester.

Roland was a role model husband and father. Roland and Arlene were happily married for 71 years. Together they had six children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Arlene lives at Schooner Estates in Auburn; daughter, Dottie Bowe resides in Freeport; son, Larry, Manchester, N.H., son, John in Saco; daughter, Mary Johnson in Auburn; and son, Bob in Jeffersonville, Vt.

He was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Laurie, who passed away in 1973 at age 11.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Martin family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.