Roland B. Colby, 71, of Waite Street died Thursday, January 14 in St. Vincent Hospital after a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 51 years, Arlene R. (Bisco) Colby, two sons; Kevin S. Colby and his wife Tracy of Leicester and Matthew R. Colby and his fiance Michelle Joubert of Charlton, a daughter Laurie A. Austin and her fiance Ames Jones of Rochdale, nine grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Appa”; Shane, Jeremy, Billy, Ally, Aubrey, Ainslee, Casey, Jordan & Chris, two brothers; Wayne Colby and his wife Linda of Leicester and James Colby and his wife Melissa of Rochdale, two sisters; Christine Colby and her fiance Todd Jyringi of Rochdale and June Kennedy and her husband John of Spencer, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as many friends that are the same as family. He was predeceased by a brother Daniel Colby in 2013.

Roland was born in Worcester, son of John C. Colby and Doris (Carpenter) Colby. He owned and operated Colby Fire Protection, Inc. for 31 years. He graduated from Leicester High School in 1967 and continued his education at East Coast Aerotech. He was an avid New England Patriots fan and a longtime season ticket holder. He enjoyed classic cars and attending car shows. He always looked forward to the time he could spend at his home in Florida.

Calling hours with Covid 19 precautions, social distancing and masks will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Greenville Baptist Church, 674 Pleasant Street, Rochdale. A Memorial Service at 11 a.m. will be private for the immediate family only.

Burial will be held privately in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Why Me Inc., 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602. MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street, Leicester is directing funeral arrangements.