Roland Joseph St. Gelais Obituary (1925 - 2010)

Interment Details St. Joseph Cemetery TYNGSBORO - Roland Joseph St. Gelais, 84, of Tyngsboro, died peacefully Friday evening January 1, 2010 at his home with his daughter Claire and son-in-law Jacob Kohanski by his side, and his beloved cat Sam. He was the husband of the late Marie Rose (Cartier) St. Gelais who predeceased him in 1985. Born in Lowell on October 13, 1925, he was a son of the late Edouard and Maria (Hubert) (Lacourse) St. Gelais. He received his education in the Lowell School System. An decorated and honorably discharged veteran, he served his country during World War II as a Coporal in the Army of the United States seeing action overseas in Germany and the European African Middle Eastern Theater. Mr. St. Gelais was recently awarded a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery and selfless acts during his military career. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Mr. St. Gelais had been employed for many years as a Welder. In his early years he was employed by Glenview Fence and was then employed by Soucy Fence in Lowell until he retired. He was a member of the Centralville Sportsmens Club and in his free time he enjoyed shooting and fishing. Mr. St. Gelais family would like to extend sincere thanks to Merrimack Valley Hospice for making his wishes possible with sepcial accolades to Gail and Jen. Surviving him are a daughter and son-in-law Claire and Jacob Kohanski of Dracut; a son-in-law James McDermott of Lowell; two sisters Theresa Langlois of Chelmsford and Lillian Holmes and her husband Jim of Groton; another daughter and son-in-law Theresa and Bill Doris of Dracut; 10 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Roland J. St. Gelais Jr who predeceased him in 1965 and the late Lucille McDermott who predeceased him in 1978; and brother of the late Leo Lacourse, Rita Lamy, Andrew Lacourse and Alice St. Gelais. Friends may call at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Tuesday from 4 until 8 PM. It being his wish Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843.