Roland Francis VanDyke, 86, of Whitman, Massachusetts, died on July 24 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Dauksevicz) VanDyke. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this past May.
Roland was born in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1935, the son of Vance D. VanDyke and Mary B. (Francis) VanDyke.
He leaves behind three loving daughters and their husbands, Diane and Michael Newcomb of Whitman, Michelle and Lee Malafronte of West Bridgewater, Rosemary and Adam Anthony of Alton, New Hampshire, seven grandchildren, Barry Blair, Brittanirose Blair, Nicholas Blair, Heather Malafronte, Holly Malafronte, Brooke Newcomb, and Shelby Newcomb, several nieces and nephews, and special lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Grigg, her husband who was like a brother to him, William Grigg, and brother Lawrence Larsen.
Roland was an aviation enthusiast and had a vast collection of model airplanes, many of which he built. He enjoyed traveling, and visiting airshows and airports. Veteran causes were very near and dear to his heart. He was intelligent and sharp minded, and could troubleshoot and fix anything.
He loved spending time with his family, and was especially devoted to his grandchildren, being involved in their lives and attending their various activities.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Geriatrics at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth who gave Roland exceptional care.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, July 29, from 4:00-7:00 PM and his funeral service on Friday, July 30, at 10:00 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street, Route 58 at the rotary) Whitman, Massachusetts. Burial will follow the service in the Holy Family Cemetery, Rockland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roland’s memory may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to the Geriatrics Department of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Attn.: Philanthropy Office, 275 Sandwich Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 830-2420
For full obituary, online condolences and directions please visit www.blanchardfc.com.