Roland G. Vanasse

Roland G. “Captain” Vanasse, 96, of Fairhaven, has entered into eternal rest with the lord and his family on Thanksgiving Day at Our Lady’s Haven. He was the husband of the late Lillian B. (Richard) Vanasse.

Born in New Bedford, he was a son of the late Euclide and Marie (Normandeau) Vanasse.

Mr. Vanasse worked as a waiter at the former New Bedford Hotel then at the former Skipper Motor Inn now the Seaport Inn, until his retirement in 1980.

He was Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in New Bedford, Past President of the Mass Past President Club, Past President of L’Amicale Francaise, Past Secretary of the Richelieu Club of New Bedford, Past Vice President of the Fairhaven Varsity Club and Past Vice President of the Lakeville Eagles. He was the driving force of bringing back road racing in New Bedford in 1962. He was chairman of the New England 30 kilo road race championship. For 13 years, the yearly event was sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles #647. He was awarded for 50 years of service in the Fraternal Order of Eagles in New Bedford and Lakeville. He received the prestigious Horace Viaux award from the Richelieu Club International and was the Franco-American Man of the Year in 2009.

He was the brother of Raymond, Francois and Leo Vanasse, Loretta Nelson and several nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 10AM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roland’s memory may be made to the Lakeville Fraternal Order of Eagles, 233 County St., Lakeville, MA 02347. For online tributes please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com