Jose R. Roldan Obituary (1976 - 2011)

Visitation Details Sunday, February 6th, 2011 2:00pm - 6:00pm, Dracut Funeral Home Monday, February 7th, 2011 11:00am, St. Rose of Lima Church Interment Details Holy Cross Cemetery OWELL - Jose R. Roldan, 34, of Lowell, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning while on a Med flight to Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, following injuries sustained from his heroic interventions at his place of employment. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 30/31, 1976, a son of Jose Flores of Puerto Rico and Maria S. (Lopez) Flores of Milwaukee, WI. He received his early education throughout the country as the son of a career Army veteran. When he was 11, his parents separated and he inherited the responsibilities of the man of the house'. Aside from his school work, he took on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings. Family became his priority over his education. He often expressed to his siblings the importance of family and helping those in need. Roldan's family came to Lowell 18 years ago and Jose decided to make the city his home. He was employed by the City of Lowell as a Direct Care Staff Member at Lowell Transitional Living Center. Roldan was a resident of the Center for five years while trying to make a life for himself. In this process he became acquainted with beautiful soul, Mary-Anne Buhlnann who herself is a success story, coming from a life as a battered women who found faith in Jose Roldan. They met at the shelter and it was love at first sight. Mary was amazed that it was possible to love again. They shared a life together for eleven years, and they were two peas in a pod. As a way to give back to the city he loved and the city that cared for him, Roldan stayed connected with the Center to begin his career as a Direct Staff Member. Roldan's mother was a hard working single mother and is now a retired nurse who dedicates her life to caring for those who come from poverty. Most recently, she opened a missionary home for the poor in Milwaukee. Brother, Jose Noel Ruiz, a father of six had lost his biological mother at birth. He was raised by his biological father together with Roldan and his siblings. Being the same age as Roldan, they grew to have a very close and loving relationship. Brother, Miguel Cuba, also from Lowell, lived closest to Roldan. They have been inseparable since their mother and younger siblings moved out of Lowell. Together, they wrote inspirational rap music to reach the heart of their troubled friends trying to pull them away from a negative lifestyle. Youngest brother, Henry Flores, has raised two children and frequently opens his home to people who are less fortunate. He gives wholeheartedly of the little that he has. Only sister and youngest sibling, Cynthia Flores is a devoted Christian whose life focus is preaching to the women and men in maximum security prisons. She has raised three children single-handedly when their biological mother could not. In addition to heightening her education, she travels to poor US states and other countries as an evangelistic missionary to bring food, clothes and the word of the Lord to those in need. Roldan has a 15-year-old son, Angel Jose Cuba, With the influences of his family, Roldan endeavored to better himself. He was studying to not only earn his General Equivalency Diploma (GED), but also music and composition in hopes to work with his brother in the music industry one day. In his leisure time, Roldan enjoyed drawing, cooking, listening to music, dancing and playing video games. During his teenage years, he was accomplished in Track and Field. He is described as spontaneous and vivacious by his baby sister who treasures her memories of their childhood as he portrayed the "father-figure" in the household. In addition to his parents, he is survived by son, Angel Jose; grandmother Justina Lopez of Chelsea; uncle Luis Antonio Lopez of Ft. Lauderdale; aunt Norma Perez of Chelsea; aunt Maria D. Lopez of Chelsea; brother Rafael Flores of Connecticut; brother Jose Noel Ruiz and his wife Elizabeth of Allentown, PA; brother Miguel Cuba of Lowell; brother Henry Flores of Bethlehem, PA; sister Cynthia Flores of Bethlehem, PA; 14 nieces and nephews (D.J., Angel Jose, Asante, Anthony, Marc, Jazmin, Jordan, Danny, Christina, Matthew, Vincent, Juan, Elias, Tyina); many cousins and dear friends. Friends may call at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Sunday from 2 until 6 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 11 AM in St. Rose of Lima Church 601 Broadway, Chelsea. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Service Details Visitation When February 6, 2011 2:00pm - 6:00pm Location Dracut Funeral Home Address