Obituary: Roland J. Lachance

Published: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 6:01 am

Roland J. Lachance, Longtime Community Member, Passes Away at 91

Roland J. Lachance, a resident of Winslow, Maine, has passed away at the age of 91. He died on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Born in Waterville, Maine, on April 21, 1934, he was a graduate of Waterville High School.

Lachance's career included employment at several grocery stores, including First National and Cottles. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, from 1954 to 1956. Following his military service, he returned to Cottles before beginning a long career with the United States Post Office in Waterville as a letter carrier, retiring in 1989. After retirement, he worked part-time at Laverdieres and Walmart.

He was a devoted member of St. John's Church. Lachance was known for his love of bowling, serving as Secretary for the Post Office League. He was also a skilled woodworker and a "jack-of-all-trades," always willing to lend a helping hand. An avid fisherman, he particularly enjoyed ice fishing trips to Moosehead Lake with his family and friends.

Lachance's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, and his daughter-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Colette, and their children, Paul Lachance and Celeste Levasseur, along with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 21, at Notre Dame Catholic Church. A private burial will follow at a later date. The family has expressed gratitude to the staff at MaineGeneral Medical Center and to Mike Strahan for their care and friendship. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital or a charity of choice.

BNN's Perspective: Mr. Lachance's life reflects a generation dedicated to community and family. His long career in public service and his commitment to his hobbies and loved ones paint a picture of a life well-lived. His passing is a loss for his family and the community he served.

Keywords: Roland J. Lachance, obituary, Waterville, Winslow, Maine, U.S. Army, Post Office, woodworker, fishing, family, Notre Dame Catholic Church, MaineHealth Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital

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