1927 – 2014
LEWISTON — R. Roland Bissonette, 87, of Auburn, passed away in Lewiston on Saturday, March 15, with his family by his side.
He was born in Lewiston on March 13, 1927, the son of Louis and Yvonne Berthiaume Bissonette. He attended Lewiston schools and was very active, playing baseball and softball with his brothers in various L-A leagues during the late 1940s and 1950s. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was a life member of the American Legion No. 153.
On April 12, l947, he married “his honey” of almost 67 years, Madeline Rousseau. He retired in 1985, after 35 years with the Maine Central Railroad at Rigby Yard in South Portland.
Roland was very proud of the fact that he built the family home where they raised their seven children. Roland and Madeline enjoyed many summers camping at Sebago Basin with family and friends. He enjoyed boating and fishing, having caught “the big one!”
After retirement, he and Madeline spent winters in Florida, where he enjoyed a game of golf in which he scored a hole-in-one. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and bowling. He especially loved visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Madeline, and six children: daughter Cynthia Halliday; son, Geary and wife, Louise; daughter, Pamela Larose and husband, Marcel; son, Bryant and his significant other, Sandra Phillipon; daughter, Torey Murphy and husband, Daniel; and daughter, Melissa Dwinell and husband, Chuck. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Real “Ray” Bissonette.
He was predeceased by his son, Marc, in 2008; his daughter-in-law, Debbie Bissonette, in 2009; his grandson and namesake, Robert Roland “Robbie” Bissonette, in 2011; his sisters, Yolande Blais and Priscilla Boutin; and brothers, Marcel and Louis “Bert” Bissonette.
The family would like to extend their warmest appreciation to Dr. Mosher and the staff of 1-East at d’Youville Pavilion for their excellent care and compassion for Roland.
Condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.
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- Roland Bissonette
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