ROLAND L DIONNE

Roland L. Dionne, 90, of Worcester, a faith-based man, devoted to his family, church and community passed away surrounded by the ones he loved, Monday, January 15th 2024 after a period of declining health.

Roland was born in Uxbridge, the son of Louis and Jane (Tremblay) Dionne.  Raised in Uxbridge, Roland joined the U.S. Air Force serving his country proudly during the Korean War.  Upon discharge, he was a drum instructor for many Worcester County drum corps, where he met Florance A. Gancarz.  They fell in love and married on May 28, 1960.  He moved from Uxbridge to the Massasoit Road neighborhood with his new wife, where they raised their family over the past 63 years. Roland worked as a machinist all his life; first with Whitin machine works and later with David Gessner Corporation before retiring in 1995.

Roland is survived by the love of his life Florance; two children he was so proud of, Judith Dionne of Worcester, Jeffrey Dionne and his wife LynnMarie of Holden; the grandsons whom he cherished and lovingly called him “Pépère”, Adam, Arthur, and Aidan; a loving sister, Irene Blais of Shrewsbury;  many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  In addition to his parents, Roland joins in heaven, his son, Brian A. Dionne who passed away in 1977; brothers, Gerard and Ernest Dionne; and his best friend Leon Dumais.

Roland was a dedicated and active member of Our Lady of Loreto Church.  His faith led him to serve as a church lector, eucharistic minister, cantor, funeral alter server, parish Italian festival booth co-captain and active volunteer.  Roland could always be found assisting the church in some way.    Roland was also a 63-year life member of the Knights of Columbus Mumford Council 365 in Uxbridge, the 4th degree Bishop O’Reilly assembly and participant in the Knights and Maids musicals.   Roland and Florance were active Drum and Bugle Corps instructors in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s notably for the PNA, Italian marching corps, and Sudbury Ancient Fife and Drum Companie.  They loved to travel and enthusiastically traveled around the world with the Auburn Seniors.

A period of calling hours will be held Friday, January 19th from 9 am to 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where his celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 11 am.  Msgr Stephen Pedone pastor and Rolands’s cousin, Deacon Stephen Papik will celebrate.  Burial with military honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.   In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Our Lady of Loreto Church Building fund, 33 Massasoit Rd, Worcester.