Roland J. Ferland, 65, of Lawrence died January 8th, 2013. Born in Lawrence, Mr. Ferland had been an area resident all his life. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Mr. Ferland was awarded two Purple Hearts, and served as a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island where he achieved the the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Ferland was a long time employee of Phillips Academy. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a member of the Methuen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8349, the Methuen American Legion Post 122, and the Haverhill American Veterans Post 147. Mr. Ferland is survived by his wife Carole (Jesses) Ferland. Four daughters: Alyssa Ferland of Lawrence, Natalie Ferland of Manchester, NH, Renee Ferland of Plaistow, NH, and Nicole Foster of Pelham, NH. Two sisters: Celine and her husband Robert Sheridan of Sebring, FL and Bernadette and her husband Ronald Vigneault of Pelham, NH. Three brothers: Daniel Ferland and his wife Deborah of Methuen, Philip Ferland and his wife Rosemary of Derry, NH, Emile Ferland of Derry, NH. There are several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be private at the request of the family. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA. Arrangements are under the direction of Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home, 978-683-2706, www.racicotfuneralhome.com