Roland Theodore

Roland was born on March 24, 1945, to the late Marie Venise Deronette Theodore and Jean Antonin Theodore in Jacmel, Haiti. To this union five children were born: Helen, Odette, Roland, Vilfort and Maxan. Roland often took pride in being the 1st born son as he often reminded (“bullied”) his siblings. Roland completed his primary and secondary schooling in Port au Prince, Haiti. As a young boy, Roland always loved cars and landed his first job at a Nissan car dealership in Haiti.

On June 1, 1974, Roland married Anne Marie Eustache and they were together for 51 years. To this union three children were born: Marie (Guerna Elsie), Pierrelyne(Pepe),and Ronald(Joey). He became affectionately known as “Poppy”.

In 1976, yearning to provide a better life and more opportunities for his family following the footsteps of his Big Sister Odette Dardompre, he immigrated to the United States, and later settled in Chicago/Evanston, Illinois where he lived until 2002.

In 1979, Anne Marie joined Roland in Chicago with the first two children. Together, they worked hard to provide endless opportunities for their kids. They provided a solid foundation and ensured we had opportunities to pursue a great education with the ultimate goal of attaining college degrees. Every morning, before he left for work, Roland would go to each of the children’s bedrooms with the same motto “DO GOOD IN SCHOOL and RESPECT YOURSELF”. In the evening, after he returned home from work, same motto “DID YOU FINISH YOUR HOMEWORK?”

Roland worked for Deublin Company, a machining equipment manufacturer located in Waukegan, Illinois, as a Machinist for over 20 years. He was a dedicated employee, never late or missing a day of work. Roland was also a member of the Freemasonry Masonic Lodge of Evanston. He enjoyed fellowshipping with his friends and participating in the Christmas program.

In 2002, tired of the cold winters in Chicago, and only after the youngest graduated high school, Roland retired early at the age of 57 years old. After retirement, Roland and Anne built a home and settled in Cape Coral, Florida where he remained until his death.

Roland came from a large family with humble beginnings. He had a very close bond with family and friends in Chicago. The “Theodore House” was the meeting hub where family, friends, cousins would all gather for special occasions. He loved when the entire family would come together even though he would be ready to go to bed by 7pm. He provided the music and all the drinks while my mother and aunties provided all the delicious food.

He enjoyed traveling back to Haiti (Lakay) at least once a year to attend Carnival and visit with his family and friends. He was a simple man, a creature of habit, very disciplined, and a force to be reckoned with. Roland enjoyed playing the lottery several times a week (LOSING MORE TIMES THAN WINNING), attending Church faithfully every Sunday at 9am, playing cards (CHEATING) with his brothers, listening to Compas music, going to the casino, attending the annual Chicago Auto Show, and spending time with family and close friends. He was very reliable and supportive. He had a lot of pride in being a homeowner, always making improvements and renovations to every house he owned. Every Saturday morning, the first order of business in the “Theodore House” was “CLEAN THE HOUSE”. In addition, he took a lot of pride in keeping his cars clean in pristine condition. His biggest pet peeve was being late and an untidy environment.

Roland’s eighty years on this earth were full of successes and failures, profits and losses, love and pain. Although he was difficult at times, he still had a caring heart. To the immediate family, he was a provider, protector and storyteller (often embellishing/exaggerating at times). He gave us a strong solid foundation and ensured his kids lived a very comfortable life. He never abandoned us (even though he always yelled and threatened he would). We always felt safe as he was always PRESENT. He was the 1st person to call and Sing “Happy Burffday to You” at midnight. When we were sick although we had Nurse Mommy at home, he was certain Vicks Vapor Rub, Psalm 23 and tea cured everything.

To everyone else, He was either: Roland, TonTon Roland, Mr. Theodore, Frere Roland or TiRoland.

But to his children and grandchildren, He was simply our “POPPY”, “PAPA” or “GRANDPA” and we will deeply Miss His smile, his laughter and his signature “YAAP”.

Poppy is at peace and went to be with the Lord after a long illness on June 17, 2025. He was preceded into eternity by his parents; his siblings, Helen, Vilfort, Ulrick and Willie.

Roland leaves to cherish his memory: His dutiful wife of 51 years, Anne Marie; daughters Marie, Pierrelyne and Vernise; sons Ronald (Sharlie) and Cedrick; grandchildren Jordan, Bailee and Gavin; siblings Odette, Maxan, Suzette, Marianne, Theophil, Ramses, Will, Elza, Verma, Delice, Immacula, Herve and Marie Judith; best man Roland Theodore; closest cousin Yverose Theodore and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and close friends.

A visitation for Roland will be held Tuesday, July 1st at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33991 between the hours of 9 - 10:15am with an 11am funeral mass at St Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904.