Roland Mark Ahearn Jr.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Roland passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Nov. 27, 2025. He was born in Brunswick, Maine on August 31, 1943, to Roland Ahearn Sr. and Ardelle Bushie.

He grew up in Rumford, Maine and graduated from Stephens High School in 1962. While attending high school, he was on the snow ski jumping and cross-country teams. Roland joined the Navy as a Seaman E1 in 1962 and was stationed on the aircraft carrier Essex until 1964. He moved back to Rumford where he met his future wife, Jean Ellen Bukoveckas. They were married on Oct. 28, 1967, and had three children.

In March 1971 they moved to Lakeland, Fla. and he joined Publix Supermarkets in the warehouse and worked his way up to be a Housewares Truck Driver in 1975. He retired from Publix in 2003 with over 2 million safe driving miles and enjoyed collecting his favorite cars including a 55 Crown Victoria and a 55 T-Bird winning many trophies.

He is survived by his wife Jean of 58 years; daughter Kimberly Speake, sons Skip and Michael; as well as six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; his sister Denise Cunningham (Wayne); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and his sisters Margaret Auger and Joyce Belliveau. He was a loving husband and father and is loved by his family and many friends. Love you Dad, Rolly, Turtle, Bumpa!

Celebration of life will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801.

Condolences may be sent to the Family at http://www.heathfuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers. please consider a donation to:

St. Jude’s Hospital