Roland J. Lachance

WINSLOW – Roland J. Lachance, 91, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Waterville.

He was born in Waterville, Maine on April 21, 1934, the son of Joseph Lachance and Blanche (Letourneau) Lachance. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1952. He worked briefly at the First National Grocery Store where he met the love of his life, Colette Quirion. He then worked at Cottles Grocery store from 1952 until he joined the military in 1954. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska with the U. S. Army until 1956.

After returning from the military, he resumed employment at Cottles Grocery Store. He and Colette were then married in November of 1956. He later began employment with the United States Post Office in Waterville as a letter carrier. He retired from there in 1989. After retirement, he worked part-time at Laverdiere’s and Walmart.

He was a communicant of St. John’s Church in Winslow. For many years, he enjoyed bowling and was the Secretary for the Post Office League. He was an avid woodworker, building many beautiful things for family and friends. He was also a jack-of-all trades and was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Roland loved fishing, primarily ice fishing. He enjoyed many ice fishing trips to Moosehead Lake with his son and son-in-law, along with a great group of friends. He spoke very fondly of these trips for many, many years.

His greatest love of all was spending time with family. He especially loved having his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around him.

He was predeceased by his parents; his older sister, Theresa Paradis; and his daughter-in-law, Nancy (Vigue) Lachance.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Colette, and their children Paul Lachance and wife Yvette, and Celeste Levasseur and husband Kevin; six grandchildren, Nicole, Shelby, Nikki, Ryan, Lindsey and Haley; and nine great-grandchildren, Jean, David, Alex, Claire, Mason, Callie, Liam, Emma and Madison. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. A private burial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at MaineGeneral Medical Center for his care and comfort during his stay. A very special thank you to Mike Strahan for his friendship and dedication to Roland.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at https://fundraising.mmc.org/bbch-donate-now or a charity of your choice