WEBSTER – Roland T. “Car-2” Gignac, 81, died Friday, February 15, 2013 in Lanessa Extended Care.
He leaves a brother, Lawrence T. “Bonhomme” Gignac of Webster; a sister, Rita O’Brien of Southbridge; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Carl and George Gignac.
He was born in Bennington, VT, a son of Theodore and Lucy (Lapierre) Gignac, and moved to Webster in 1935.
He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving as a corporal. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with four battle stars, United Nations Medal, Korean War Service Medal and the South Korean Presidential Unit Citation. After the war he re-enlisted in the United States Navy in 1953, serving almost 4 years on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bennington.
Mr. Gignac was a machinist at Bay State Abrasives in Westboro for many years before retiring in 1996.
He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and a weekly adorer at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. He belonged to the Combat Infantrymen’s Association and attended its reunions. He was a member of the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post #184, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #654, the 24th Infantry Division Association and the 2nd Infantry Division of Korean War Veterans’ Alliance. He was chosen to be the Grand Marshall for the Veterans Day Parade in 2010. He also held a life membership in the Athletic Booster Club, where he had served as an officer and as president.
A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 23, at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will provide the military honors at the cemetery. There are no calling hours. Donations in his name may be made to Saint Anne’s School Memorial Fund, 12 Day Street, PO Box 818, Webster, MA 01570-0818. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.