Roland E. "Rollie" Martel Jr.

Wales – Roland E. “Rollie” Martel, Jr, age 78, of Penobscot Street in Rumford, passed away on Friday April 8, 2016 at his sons Paul’s home in Wales, with loving family at his side and now is reunited with his beloved wife Shirley Ann, his daughter Terri Lee and his dog, best friend and companion, “LuLu.”

Roland was a lifelong resident of Rumford, born on November 4, 1937 a son of Diana (Richard) and Roland E. Martel, Sr. and was a graduate of Gould Academy in Bethel.

Roland married the love of his life, Shirley Ann in 1958, and together they celebrated 52 years of marriage.

He was self-employed as a finished carpenter, and later went to work as a millwright in the Rumford paper mill.

Roland and his wife Shirley Ann could always be found sitting on their front porch with their dog “LuLu,” enjoying each other’s company and entertaining family and friends.

He loved gardening, hunting, fishing and a great cigar.

Surviving are his children; Peter Martel of Windham, Paul Martel and partner Stephen Philbin of Wales, and Nancy Bennett and partner Heather Donovan of Raymond NH; a brother, Joseph Richard and wife Joyce of Texas; five grandchildren, Christopher Bennett, Samuel Bennett, Nicholas Bennett, Dana Larrabee, Jr. and wife Samantha, and Benjamin Larrabee; and two great grandchildren, Sadie Lee Larrabee and Cole Edwin Larrabee.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Shirley, and a daughter, Terri Lee Larrabee.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Roland’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society ME Division 1 Main Street Topsham, ME 04086 or to the Tribute Program St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908.