1928 – 2016

LEWISTON — Roland E. Durocher, 87, of Seville Place, Lewiston, died on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at home.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 27, 1928, the son of the late Arthur and Alice (Brisson) Durocher. After local schooling at St. Mary’s Parochial School, he pursued high school and college studies at Saint Charles Borromée in Sherbrooke, Canada, followed with a one-year residence studies with the Franciscan Fathers of Sherbrooke, Canada. He was later awarded a degree in liberal arts studies from St. Francis College in Biddeford in 1950.

He had a four-year tour of service with the U.S. Air Force. On Sept. 27,1958, he married the love of his life, Gisele Bilodeau, on his birthday, at St. Peter’s Church in Lewiston.

He worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as agent/consultant for eight years, later retiring from KeyBank in 1984. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1992.

He was very active with the area parish choirs of St. Mary’s, Holy Family, and Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. He had tenor leading roles in the “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” “My Fair Lady” and “Les Cloches de Corneville.” He was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 106, Lewiston, longtime member of the “Orpheon,” member of L’Union St. Jean-Baptist, “Honorary Citizen of Boys’ Town,” actively committed to the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Prince of Peace Parish as cantor, lector, acolyte and eucharistic minister and member/former counselor of Saints Peter and Paul Society.

He was member/president of St. Peter’s School PTA and member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish Council. He was also involved with United Way and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center fund drives and currently volunteered at St. Mary’s hospital.

He enjoyed music, theater, playing cards, reading and traveling through all 50 states, Bermuda, Aruba, Canada, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Gisele; two sons, Paul (Dawn), Robert (Jeanne Marie); a daughter, Michelle (Chris); four grandchildren, Allison (Frank), Jennifer, Sarah and Jason; three great-grandchildren, Sean, Julie and Hobie; sisters-in-law, Yolande Roy, Claudette Bilodeau, Laurette Bilodeau and Lorraine Durocher; brother-in-law, Julien (Pauline) Bilodeau; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Maurice “Mike” Durocher; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Bilodeau and Norman Roy.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.