PITTSFIELD – Roland E. Dechaine, 94, died peacefully on June 7, 2023, in Pittsfield.

Roland was born on Jan. 9, 1929, in Millinocket, a son of the late Pierre and Leona (Martin) Dechaine. He graduated from Waterville High School with the class of 1947 and furthered his education at Bentley College in Massachusetts. He worked at Veilluex’s Market on Sherwin Street in Waterville before moving to Pittsfield in 1972. He was employed for many years as the store manager at LaVerdiere’s Drug Store in Pittsfield, retiring in 1993.

He married the love of his life, Vernette Veilleux, in November of 1959. He was an active parishioner of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Pittsfield, and member of the Knights of Columbus #4861 Pittsfield. He was a member of the American Legion Post #5 Waterville, U.S. Army 1950-1953, serving in South Korea.

Roland enjoyed spending summer days at Big Indian Lake, sailing and fishing. He prided himself on maintaining his home and working in the yard. He loved spending time outdoors. He will be remembered as never meeting a stranger, and always having a joke or story to share. Roland’s love for his family is reflected by the many fond memories he leaves for his wife, children, and grandchildren to cherish.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Vernette Dechaine; children, Kenneth Dechaine and wife Nanhee of Pittsfield, Susan L’Heureux and husband Lucien of Georgia, and Diane Wadsworth and husband Michael of Ohio; grandchildren, Leah Dechaine and Heidi Dechaine of Pittsfield, Krista Roop and husband Richard of Georgia, Kiera Plante of Georgia, Emma Wadsworth and Ian Wadsworth of Ohio; siblings, Gloria Gamache and Theresa Perkins; sisters-in-law Gladys Dechaine (wife of Claude Dechaine) and Joan Dechaine (wife of Don Dechaine), brothers-in-law Roland Veilleux of Skowhegan, Lucien Veilleux and wife Glennis; great-grandchildren, Colton and Caiden Roop of Georgia; and many nieces, nephews; and extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Claude Dechaine and Don Dechaine; brother-in-law, Lee Veilleux and wife Bernley, sister-in-law, Jeanette Bourgoin and husband Roland, sister-in-law, Evelyn Veilleux (wife of Roland Veilleux); and infant daughter, Kathy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 13 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Detroit Street, Pittsfield. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. A committal will follow at 2 p.m. at the St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville with military honors being presented for his service to our country during the Korean Conflict.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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