Roland V. Grassette

RUMFORD – Roland V. Grassette passed peacefully on May 16, 2023, at the age of 80, in his home where he wanted to be with his devoted wife Bonnie and feline companions Jack and Jill. He was orn in Rumford on Nov. 19, 1942, the son of Wilfred and Marguerite (Patrie) Grassette.

Roland graduated in 1961 from Stephens High School and married Ann Letourneau and they raised three sons. Later marrying Bonnie Leighton Thibodeau on June 25, 1983 and together they enjoyed a marriage of nearly 40 years.

Roland lived most of his life in Rumford, except for a while in Canton. He was a hard worker and he worked at many different occupations including thirty-two years at the Rumford Paper Mill. But the one he liked the best was the twelve seasons spent at Acadia National Park working for the Maintenance Department after an early retirement from Mead Paper. “Best job I ever had!”

Roland was a man with many talents, always a quick wit and a sense of humor. He knew a lot of people and was always friendly, and he remembered your name. One of his last statements was “I have had a wonderful life, I feel loved, I’m a lucky man!” Rest in peace.

Besides his wife Bonnie, survivors include sons Kevin, Scot and wife Cindy (Gotto) and Keith Grassette; grandchildren Zachary, Kaitlyn (Brendon Harrington), Amber (Elmer Murray) Grassette and Tasha (Greg) Patenaude; great-grandchildren Khloe, Garrett, Kollin, Wyatt and Jillian; a brother Leo and wife Kitty Grassette, sister-in-law Barbara Grant, brother-in-law Joseph Barney Leighton; several nieces and one nephew; many cousins including “Cousin Jamie” Kenneth Kennison and wife Donna. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Norman and sister Lorraine Grassette, also mother-in-law Irene Leighton.

Thank you to the caregivers at D’Youville Pavilion and Androscoggin Home Care for the care, compassion and concern shown to us.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com

As were his wishes, no services are planned at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St Rumford, ME

If you would like, donations can be made to

a local animal shelter