Grand Isle — Roland C. Gendreau, 85, peacefully entered into rest June 2, 2023, at Aroostook House of Comfort, following a brief illness. He was born October 9, 1937, in St. David, a son of the late Willard and Agathe (Chasse) Gendreau.

Roland worked for Cianbro for more than three decades as a heavy equipment operator throughout the state of Maine. He also worked at Frasier Paper for nearly a decade until his retirement in 2000. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree assembly, Madawaska, and a member of local snowmobile and ATV clubs.

He also supported Mizpah, the church and choir for many years and was, without question, exceptionally generous with his time to anyone in need. He greatly enjoyed woodworking and creating cherished keepsakes for family members. His inspiration and life's examples will continue to support them with gentleness, humbleness and encouragement, all fused together into a broad smile and coy wink.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Rose Marie (Picard) of Grand Isle. Together they raised three children, Debbie, Cathy and Scott, offering them a blessed life of unconditional love and integrity. Their extended family now includes Debbie's husband Rob Sifuentes and their son, Ryan, of Kennebunkport; Cathy's partner, Jeff Chasse, Cathy's daughter, Thara, and Thara's daughters, Ariana, Janelle and Summer of Madawaska; and Scott's wife, Gisele, their son, Brandon and his wife Emily and son, Jack, and their daughter Micaela, and her partner Jordan Treadwell of Brewer. Roland also is survived by four siblings, Ronaldo Gendreau and his wife Theresa of Madawaska, Jacqueline Fortin of Lille, Claude Gendreau and his wife Claudette of Grand Isle, and Marcel Gendreau and his wife Jeanne of St. David, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Roland was predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Joel Gendreau.

The family is incredibly grateful for the loving care and comfort provided by the exceptional staff of Aroostook House of Comfort to ensure Roland's few final days were as peaceful as possible.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2023, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Main St., Grand Isle. Relatives and friends may greet the family Sunday evening 6 – 8 p.m. at Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 – 10th Ave., Madawaska. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Aroostook House of Comfort or Mizpah.