Roland P. Parenteau, 91, of Woonsocket died peacefully Friday April 5, 2024 at The Holiday in Manville. He was the loving husband of the late Lorraine M. (Carpentier) Parenteau. Roland and Lorraine were married on October 4, 1958 at Precious Blood Church and shared over 63 wonderful years mutually devoted to each other.
Born on St. Patrick’s Day 1933 and christened Roland Patrick, he was raised in Woonsocket a son of the late Robert and Emelia (Godin) Parenteau. He was a proud lifelong resident of Woonsocket.
Mr. Parenteau was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the early 1950s. He was stationed in Germany where he served as Military Police (the MPs). Mr. Parenteau was awarded the Occupation Medal- Germany, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
In his early years Mr. Parenteau worked at the Blackstone Dye Works and Whittins Machine Foundry Works. He was employed from the mid-1950s onward as the Production, Sales and Distribution manager for Peter Pan Ice Cream Company under the ownership of his cousin the late Emile Pierel. Roland continued his management positions at Ice Cream Corporation of Rhode Island and Chuckleberry Ice Cream all at the site of the company headquarters on Manville Road. Dennis and Paul must’ve been the envy of the neighborhood – what kid wouldn’t want a dad who ran an ice cream plant? Upon the closing of the ice cream plant in 1990 Roland worked in facilities management for Bryant University until retiring from there in 1998.
Roland had a second career for many years that in some respects was more of a calling. He was a longtime funeral assistant for the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Homes of Woonsocket and Manville working with the founder the late Alfred U. Menard, his son the late Alfred J. Menard, his sons Alfred and John Menard and later Craig Lacouture. For many years Roland could be counted upon as a warm, friendly and comforting presence at the funeral home working alongside his fellow assistants who were lifelong friends. Roland was a deeply valued member of the staff and set an example and standard for all to follow.
Roland was a lifelong communicant of Precious Blood Parish from baptism, to communion, confirmation and marriage. Roland’s family takes comfort and maybe even it is “Providential coincidence” that he came into the world on St. Patrick’s Day and returned to the Lord on Easter Friday.
Roland was a longtime member of the Woonsocket Sportsmen’s Club, the Cercle Laurier, VFW, Woonsocket Knights of Columbus Council #113 and the Italian Workingmen’s club. Each season of the year saw him meticulously tend to his home, yard and garden. He was a talented woodworker crafting birdhouses and spinning wheels and many other decorative items. He enjoyed traveling and spending time fishing especially with his granddaughters as fellow anglers. He had a special knack for cards and dice. Alas he missed out on a career as a Las Vegas card shark!
Roland will be remembered for his cheerful and easy going demeanor and his care and concern for others. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a devout and faithful Catholic and loving and devoted husband and father. His grandchildren meant the world to him and he was their biggest fan!
Roland is survived by his two sons Dennis Parenteau and his wife Rose of Attleboro and Paul Parenteau and his companion Lisa Costa of Blackstone. He was the proud Pepere of Emily Verdoia and her husband Joseph, Eleanor Parenteau and her fiancé Randy Medeiros, Erica Blanchette and her husband Kyle all of Attleboro, Evelyn Parenteau of Iowa and Taylor Parenteau of Burrillville. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Madison, Preston and Harrison and his extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins and their families.
Roland’s funeral will be Thursday April 11, 2024 at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Precious Blood Church, Carrington Ave. Woonsocket. Roland will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Lorraine with military honors at St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery in Bellingham. Relatives and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember Roland at visiting hours on Wednesday April 10th from 4:00-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (an organization providing services for veterans in need) 101 Hartford Ave. Unit 1 Johnston, RI 02919 or www.osdri.org.
www.menardfuneralhome.com