Roland Ovila Cormier

Born on August 17, 1929, Roland lived in Clermont, Florida. Roland Ovila Cormier, a man who spent his life reaching for the clouds and admiring the lines of a classic engine, passed away peacefully in Clermont, Florida, on March 21, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born August 17, 1929, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Roland was defined by a relentless spirit of service and an unmistakable charm. A true patriot, he held the rare distinction of serving his country across five different branches and components: the U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. His expertise as a Flight Engineer on C-141s was a point of immense pride, keeping him in the sky for much of his career.

When he wasn’t in the cockpit, Roland could be found under the hood of a car or admiring a sleek fuselage. He had a lifelong passion for airplanes and automobiles, but those who knew him best knew his greatest weakness was a beautiful smile.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Ovila Cormier, his sisters, Berthe Bowman and Noella Stawski, and his former wife, Dolores. His legacy lives on through the family he adored: his five daughters; Norma(Cliff) Duplissis, Michelle (Mike) Southworth, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Bill) Crouch, Reneé (Bob) Chilcote, and Marie Scott, his six grandchildren; Christopher (Spring) Duplissis, Darryl (Lupita) Duplissis, Jonathan (Jade) Heggi, Jenny (Yeison) Betancur, Michelle Hoover, and Lacey (Sean) LeVesque-McLaughlin as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He lived 96 years at full throttle, and while he has cleared the runway for the final time, his memory remains in flight.

His family would like to thank the Physicians, Nurses, and Staff of Cornerstone Hospice and Mike Conley Hospice House for providing loving care during his final days.

At Roland’s request, no service will be held. He will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a future date.

“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

of sun-split clouds…”