Rolland “Frenchy” Tremblay, 72, of Derry, NH, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on January 23, 2024, after a valiant battle with his health. One of the kindest souls on this planet, Frenchy was an incredibly giving man who worked tirelessly to ensure that his family and friends had everything they needed. He faced every challenge in life with strength and courage, rooted in an unassuming nature that people cherished. Beloved by so many, Frenchy was the most loving patriarch a family could ask for, and a most caring friend to all.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Debra Tremblay, children James and Amy Tremblay of Salem, Jillian and Michael Thiele of Derry, daughter-in-law Jessica Wallace of Bedford, and three beautiful grandchildren, Alexa, Jackson, and Lennon, to whom he gave his whole world. Additionally, his memory lives on in his incredible circle of support, the friends he considered family, as well as the selfless caregivers at Lahey Oncology, who tirelessly supported him during his brave fight.
Immigrating to Manchester from his birthplace of Trois-Rivières, Québec in 1964, Frenchy was always proud of his French-Canadian heritage. He later graduated from New Hampshire College, and also honorably served in the Army National Guard. Early on, Frenchy learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Working most of his life as a distributor for Bachman Snacks/Utz Quality Foods, Frenchy built lasting relationships with local businesses, grocers, Pinkerton Academy, and the Derry School District. Here Comes Frenchy, his brightly colored snack truck became a fixture in our community, with honks from its horn evoking smiles and waves across town. Upon retirement, he not only adored chauffeuring his three grandchildren to their many activities, but also driving students with special needs for First Student, which brought him great joy. As a grandparent, he rarely ever missed a dance recital, soccer match, basketball game, musical, or afternoon at the pool. Grampa or “Gaga” was always there.
An animal lover, Frenchy had many beloved pets over the years, including dogs Midnight and Lilly, and cats Ebony, Bingo, Willow, Jingles, Rocco, and Rollo. Like most of his family, he was a die-hard fan of the New England Patriots and other Boston sports. He loved to travel, enjoying a number of Caribbean cruises and numerous trips to Aruba with family and friends, where he turned floating around the lazy river into an art form. But above all, he loved the joy that children brought him, one that extended to his involvement in the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Derry, where he served on the Board of Directors for 28 years. Whether volunteering at BINGO nights, acquiring donations for the annual auction, or finding warm jackets for those in need, he dedicated much of his adult life to service there (and in the community) and made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. He was proud to send his children there and even prouder to send his grandson in recent years. “The Club'' was near and dear to his heart…tossing a bag of chips to a kid from his vending machine was met with smiles and laughter and warmed his heart.
Frenchy was one of a kind…a life well-lived, and anyone who ever met Frenchy was better off for it. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy of hard work and service will carry on in those who loved him.
Calling hours will be held at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry on Friday from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry on Monday, January 29th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frenchy’s honor to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Derry.