Roland Jerry DesRoberts

Roland Jerry DesRoberts, 89, of Sanford, died on Sunday, January 27, 2013.Born in Sanford on November 3, 1923, he was the son of the late Lucien T. and Amanda (Boisjoli) DesRoberts. He attended St. Ignatius Grammar School and graduated from St. Ignatius Commercial School in Sanford.Roland joined the United States Army in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946. On May 9, 1946 he married Rita Guignard at St. Ignatius Church, where he was a lifelong communicant.He worked for 13 years as a clerk and Maytag repairman at Colby & Woodman, a local hardware store. He was a master welder at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, for 25 years until his retirement in 1986.Roland was a man of many varied interests and hobbies. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends. He was proud to have taught people how to water ski. Roland enjoyed walking, bicycling, snowmobiling, snow skiing, and music. Roland and Rita took many pleasurable bus trips throughout the United States.He was a skilled carpenter and painter and was very meticulous in maintaining his apartment house and property. He enjoyed helping his family and friends with their various projects and repairs.He was pre-deceased by his wife of 51 years on August 9, 1997.Roland is survived by his children Rachel S. Bennett and her husband Peter John of Portland, Michael P. DesRoberts and his wife Judith A. of West Newfield, and Nancy A. DesRoberts of Old Orchard Beach; grandchildren Brian J. DesRoberts and Kelly J. DesRoberts, both of Sanford; great-grandchildren, Sean, Piper, Cooper, and Aubrianna; brother Leo A. DesRoberts and his wife Sarah A. of Sanford; a niece, a nephew, and great-nieces and great-nephews.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on 66 North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at The Inn at Atlantic Heights, especially Adrianna Arvelo. We also thank the wonderful and compassionate caregivers at both The Monarch Center and Beacon Hospice who took such good care of Dad.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Waban Projects, Inc., 5 Dunaway Drive, Sanford, ME 04073Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.