Roland R. Drapeau

Roland “Red” Drapeau passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Following a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. He was born in Berlin on April 27, 1949, the to late Romeo and Florence Drapeau, and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1967. Red married his devoted wife Debbie (Gendron) Drapeau in 1971, and together they shared 53 years of marriage. Red served in the National Guard from 1973 to 1978 prior to becoming a police officer, where he made many friends and “also made a few enemies” over the course of his 27-year career.

In his free time, Red’s greatest joy was fishing with his sons, grandchildren, brother-in-law, and many friends—often ending the day with a stop at the Jefferson gas station for pizza. He adored his grandchildren, and he and Debbie were fortunate to spend many years babysitting them, forming a deeply loving and lasting bond. An entertaining storyteller who loved to talk, Red especially enjoyed making people laugh. Some fishing stories were hilarious, while others were not so funny—and sometimes quite costly. He wore a watch he rarely looked at and had a habit of keeping people standing for unknown amounts of time while he talked.

When he wasn’t fishing, Red could often be found in his garage, working on projects both large and small, crafting everything from tools to furniture. He also spent countless hours splitting wood for the winter, with help from his sons and grandson whenever they could lend a hand. Red will be fondly remembered as a caring husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a special father-in-law.

Family includes his wife, Debbie Drapeau of Berlin; his sons, Randy Drapeau and wife Amy, and Rick Drapeau and wife Nora, all of Berlin; his grandson, Derrik of Berlin; and his granddaughter, Darrian and fiance Josh Wheelock of Groveton, NH; as well as his in-laws Yvette Drapeau of Manchester, NH, Diane Ramsey and husband Mike of Berlin, NH, Doug Gendron and wife Sandy of OR, Dan Gendron of Berlin, NH, Don Gendron of Berlin, NH and Dana Gendron and wife Lynne of Berlin, NH. He was predeceased by his sister Rita and her husband Jean Guy Vachon; brothers Raymond Drapeau and wife Fern, Gerry Drapeau, and Maurice Drapeau; in-laws Bob and Pauline Gendron; sister-in-law Jeanne Gendron; nephew Richard Vachon; and cousins Lucille and Maurice Bergeron, Zip Valliere, and Jackie Brackney.

Services will be held privately. Those who wish may make donations in Red’s memory to a charity of their choice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of Berlin. Online guestbook at www.bryantfuneralhome.net