Roland L. Turcotte

Roland Leo Turcotte, 79, of Fall River passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024, after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Collette (Jusseaume) Turcotte. Roland was the loving father to Elaine O’Neill, married to Jake, of Abington, Ron Turcotte, married to Cathy, of Fall River, Marc Turcotte, married to Melisa, of Lakeville and Paul Turcotte, married to Shannon, of Paradise Valley, AZ. He was the very proud “Pep” to his 14 grandchildren: Erin, John, Emily, James, Elizabeth, Adam, Kyle, Marc, Samantha, Carter, Casey, Lily, Olivia and Hattie.

Roland was predeceased by his mother, Anita Mendenhall, his grandparents Leo and Bernadette Turcotte, his sister Mariette (Henri) Menard and his brother-in-law, George Makstela. He was fortunate to have shared great memories with his brothers-and sisters-in-law Annette Makstela, Richard and Terie Jusseaume and Roger and Barbara Jusseaume and with his many beloved nieces and nephews.

Roland graduated from Msgr. Prevost High School in 1963. A Vietnam Era Veteran, he joined the Army National Guard where he was a sharpshooter and member of the Signal Corps. He achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After leaving the military, he worked as a Stationary Engineer and boiler operator. He worked for 33 years at Rhode Island Hospital and retired from there in 2011.

Roland was devoted to his children and spent many years as a coach in the Fall River National Little League, and as a Scout leader for Troops 15 and 18 in Fall River, continuing after his children had left the program. He loved to attend plays and school events for his many grandchildren and liked to keep photos and keepsakes from their lives. He was an avid reader and volunteered at Bristol Community College Library. He also volunteered for many years at Greg’s Saturday Kitchen in Fall River.

Roland enjoyed working on his computer and was delighted to track the birthdays and life events of his ever-growing list of extended family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday January 2nd, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St. Fall River. 

His funeral will be held Friday, January 3rd at 9:00 AM from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM at Espirito Santo Church, 311 Alden St. Fall River. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Stafford Rd. Fall River.

Donations in Roland’s memory can be made to Greg’s Saturday Kitchen, 147 Purchase Street, Fall River MA 02720.