WATERVILLE – Roland A Gilbert, 82, of Waterville, passed away on Dec 15, 2022, with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.

Roland was born on Sept 11, 1940, to Joseph and Antoinette in Fairfield. After Roland graduated from Lawrence High School in 1959, he joined the Navy. Roland proudly served on the aircraft carrier the USS Essex where he was able to travel the world.

After the Navy, Roland returned home and began a 38-year career working for Keyes Fibre (Huhtamaki) where he would make lifelong friends and meet his future wife, Pauline.

In 1968, Roland married the love of his life, Pauline Murphy. Roland and Pauline moved to Lincoln Street in Waterville and went on to have three children, Michelle, Linda and John. Roland celebrated his 54th wedding anniversary with Pauline this past June.

Roland was an active parishioner of St Francis de Sales parish where he regularly attended and served as a Eucharist Minister until the parish was closed. Roland and Pauline continued to attend Waterville Catholic Parishes and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament chapel on Silver Street. Roland will be remembered as a devout catholic, a kind caring man, wonderful father and grandfather and loving husband to Pauline who was always by his side.

Roland enjoyed retirement with Pauline and his friends and family. He enjoyed summer strolls along Marginal Way in Ogunquit with Pauline until his health prevented him.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and caregivers of The Harold Alfond Cancer Center in Augusta for their compassion and care over the many years of receiving treatments.

Roland was predeceased by his father Joseph M Gilbert, his mother Antoinette M Gilbert; and his sister Mary Jean Gilbert.

He is survived by his sister Juliette Gilbert of Fairfield; daughter and son-in- law, Michelle and Micheal Kessler of Palmyra, his daughter Linda Gilbert of Waterville and his son and daughter-in- law John and Cindy Gilbert; =his grandchildren Grayson and Finley Gilbert of Brentwood, N.H.; his many nieces and nephews, who have been important to Roland throughout his life. Roland was a second father to niece Terry Fortin Witham and family friend Jeri Hume, both of whom visited frequently.

Services will be held at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street Waterville on Dec. 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, who were dear to Roland’s heart