Roland passed away at the age of 43 on Tuesday, March 15, from complications caused by a lifelong battle with diabetes. Roland was known by many as a “Big Teddy Bear”. He was always there for his family and friends when they needed him.
Roland had a passion for music. He loved singing karaoke and could often be seen at the Governor Bradford in Provincetown before moving up Cape after his father passed away. He also played the guitar and keyboard, but only for his own enjoyment. After he moved to Harwich and finally to Chatham, he would return to Provincetown occcasionally for karaoke with his friends even after finding a karaoke bar closer to home.
Roland also enjoyed cooking. After high school, he briefly attended the Culinary Arts College at Johnson and Wales University before leaving early to help care for his mother. After returning to the Cape, he continued with cooking courses at Cape Cod Community College.
He is survived by his sisters, Bertha Kacergis of Wellfleet and Carol Moss of Indiana, and his brother Edmund Santos and his wife Sandra of Everett. Cherished uncle of Aaron Kacergis, Brandy Moss, Emma Santos, and Matthew Kacergis. He was predeceased by his father, Manuel “Manny Boy Blue” Santos, and his mother, Elizabeth Talbot Santos, of Provincetown.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Cape Cod Hospital for their care during Roland’s final days.
A private service for the family will happen at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, in Roland’s honor.