NEW BEDFORD -- Roland I. Isabelle, 82, died at the New Bedford Health Care Center after a period of declining health with emphysema.
Born in Fairhaven, he was the son of the late Eugene and Clementine (Robert) Isabelle. He was predeceased by his brothers Leo, Henry, Jerald, and Theodore Isabelle and his sisters, Lillian Desrosiers and Doris Deschamps. He is survived by his dear friend of forty-three years, Beatrice Leclair and her family, two sons, Dennis and Kevin Isabelle, and one daughter, Sharon Isabelle. In addition he is survived by several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of Holy Family High School and Kinyon Campbell Secretarial School. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church.
He served in the Navy during World War II and was the recipient of the Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with five bronze stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal with one bronze star. A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he retired after working thirty-seven years as a contact clerk for the former New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Co., now N-Star.
He was most proud of his time in the Navy and attended many reunions of the Tin Can Sailors Association. He took many trips to Las Vegas with his son. He traveled widely, played with his cat, went to dog races, and was interested in history, especially the history of Southeast Massachusetts.
The funeral and burial were private. Arrangements were made by Wilson Funeral Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford, Massachusetts. Donations in his memory may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719.