Roland R. Lapointe

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

ROLAND R. LAPOINTE WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA Roland R. Lapointe passed away on January 5, 2005. He was born in Winooski, Vermont on January 25, 1920, the son of Euclide and Lea (Rabidoux) Lapointe, both deceased. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Ralph and George "Zum" Lapointe. He attended Winooski Schools and joined the Army National Guard in 1940 and was inducted into Federal Service in 1941. Roland served for nearly five years in the U.S. Army during World War ll with the 43rd Infantry Division, Pacific Theatre, seeing combat for nearly three years. He participated in many campaigns against the Japanese in Guadalcanal, the Northern Solomons, New Guinea and Luzon. Initially a medic, he later became a heavy machine gunner and received several decorations and citations to include the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign ribbon, two Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star for bravery. When he returned to Vermont after the war, he was called upon to serve as a pallbearer for many lifelong friends. He would not speak of his wartime experiences until recently. Roland was a very successsful Sales Manager for Sears, Roebuck & Co. for 35 years and received many awards and commendations for his contributions to Sears. After retirement, he attended daily Mass at St. Juliana's Catholic Church in West Palm Beach where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a volunteer driver transporting people to their doctor's or other appointments. He loved children and could never see a child in need without trying to help. He was a loving, generous person who met the needs of others giving of himself freely and never expecting anything in return. Roland is survived by his two children: his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Sue Lapointe of Danville, Vermont; his daughter, Leah Shewmaker and son-in-law David Shewmaker of Dallas, Texas and by his two very special grandchildren, Cassie and Jason Shewmaker, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves his former spouse, Virginia Lapointe of West Palm Beach, Florida, who provided him with invaluable care and comfort during the last months of his life. He is also survived by one sister, Rita D. Hunt and her husband, Jim, of Shelburne, Vermont and by two sisters-in-law, June Best and Cathryn Lapointe. Roland also leaves several nieces and nephews residing in Florida, Pennsylvania and Vermont and most especially by two very special nieces, Kathy Santerre and June Plant of Vermont where he spent many enjoyable weeks each summer visiting family and friends. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Church in Winooski, Vermont on Saturday, January 29, at 11 a.m. Internment will be held immediately after the Mass.