Roland Henry Fredette

In loving memory of our father, Roland Henry Fredette, on the one-year anniversary of his passing, September 18, 2021. He was the devoted husband of our mother, Flore Fredette, for 63 years, who passed away nine months later, on June 28, 2021.

He was the dedicated father of Denise Dale (James), Joseph Fradet (Ana Liza), Paul Roland Fredette (deceased), Henry Fredette (Rosilene), Renee Skidmore (Tim), Michelle Fredette (deceased), Roland Fredette (Cathy) and Paul George Fredette (Linda). He cherished his 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

Our father was a dependable, conscientious, principled man who put the needs of his family before his own. After graduating from Northeastern University in the ROTC program, dad seriously considered a military career. He chose to resign so that his family would not have to move frequently and could live close to both his and Mom's family. As fate would have it, he had a wonderful career with IBM "I've Been Moved." Dad's travel was limited. He declined promotions that would have required a transfer that was not in his family's best interest.

When relocating, Dad marked the spot of the Catholic Church and parish school, drew a 1-mile circle around them, considering only houses within the circle. We were always walking distance from our parish church and school. It was such a blessing! 😊

Boy, were they busy! They had six children under age of 6. At night, Dad earned his Master of Business Administration from Scranton University. After having one child with diabetes and one with Down Syndrome, they continued to welcome new life and were actively committed to affirming life, womb-to-tomb.

Dad established a family bank for the children to teach us the importance of saving for the future. He kept a ledger. A child's first deposit was a penny. He gave interest. It was quite an accomplishment and excitement to see the account reach a whole dollar! The lesson learned was priceless.

Dad also taught us by example to be financially responsible, to live within our means. He was committed to our education, saving enough money for all of his children to attend college without taking out a loan or relying upon government subsidy. He taught us Murphy's Law and to be prepared for a rainy day.

If we made a long-distance phone call, Dad would collect our portion of the bill, including the tax. He may have been a stickler, but it sure helped us learn to recognize and own our responsibilities.

Dad adored Mom. On their first date, Dad asked Mom what her purpose in life was. She said to get to Heaven and to take as many people as she could with her. THAT was the answer Dad was looking for!

Together, they enjoyed vacationing at Saint George Island, family reunions on the Fourth of July and listening to the Boston Pops playing patriotic songs. They celebrated wedding anniversaries in Hawaii and Italy. In their later years, Dad cared for Mom, allowing him to cultivate greater patience, a virtue Mom had modeled throughout their marriage. He also grew to enjoy Mom's little, energetic Maltipom, Jolly.

Dad was proud of us all and the various ways we each have lived out the values taught by faith and example. He served on the Board of Directors of the Catholic non-profit, Christendom Restoration Society, founded by his son, Joseph.

Upon retirement, Dad began a faithful commitment to daily Mass with his friends, meeting for breakfast after Mass as "The Algonquin Club." He also enjoyed playing tennis twice weekly with friends on his home court.

Dad's parents were Joseph and Orise Fredette, who were married in a triple wedding with two of Orise's sisters. He was the youngest of three brothers, Dad's oldest brother, Joseph, a La Salette priest, passed away in 2001. George, an officer in the Knights of Columbus, passed away in 2011. He also had a little sister, named Orise, who was blind and died of pneumonia as a toddler.

Roland's viewing and Rosary was held at the Sandy Springs Chapel. His funeral Mass was held on Friday, 25, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Contributions in Roland's memory may be made to the Faustman Lab - Cure Diabetes Fund, https://www.faustmanlab.org/, or Guiding Star Wakota, https://guidingstarwakota.org/.

Dad, you will always be in our hearts. We will never forget you. We love you. May you and Mom rest in the arms of Our Heavenly Father.