1928 – 2015

LEWISTON — Roland Charles Belanger, 87, a lifelong resident of Rumford, died on Sunday, Dec. 20, at Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, after a period of declining health.

He was born in Rumford on Feb. 6, 1928, a son of Edward and Georgiana (Gagne) Belanger and attended local schools, graduating from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1946. During high school, he also worked at Oxford Paper Company.

On Oct. 3, 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan during the Allied occupation and reconstruction phase following World War II. He was honorably discharged on March 17, 1948.

Upon his discharge, he returned to Rumford, sharing his home with his mother after she was widowed while continuing his employment at Oxford Paper Company.

On Feb. 14, 1987, he married Jean Holt Townsend. Together they shared many happy and active years. He was a very devoted and loving husband. Jean died Aug. 16, 2013.

He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 24 and the VFW Post No. 1641. He enjoyed many hobbies, especially stained glass. He made beautiful stained-glass pieces, which he shared with family, friends and also donated for charitable fundraisers. He was a communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Church.

He is survived by nieces and nephews, Glenn and Robin Belanger, Susan Belanger, Thomas Belanger, all of Rumford, David Belanger of Media, Pa., Richard Belanger of Saco; stepchildren, Terald and Angelina (Juarez) Townsend of Connecticut, John and Sue Townsend of Topsham, James Townsend of Auburn, Nancy and Ralph Johnson of Dixfield, Sally and Ron Theriault of Rumford, and Peggy Townsend of Rumford; as well as numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife; and brothers, Norman, Robert and an infant brother, Edward.

The family would like to thank Rumford Community Home and Dr. Thomas Deluca for their kind and compassionate care.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.