Stonington - Roland Albert Gonthier, 87, of Stonington, passed away Aug. 10, 2023. He was born March 26, 1936, in Amesbury, Mass. Roland is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phebe Gonthier, who loved him deeply and unconditionally; daughter Virginia Brown and her sons, Jack and Owen; daughter Julie Sarly and her husband Alex and their daughters, Sophie, Annabelle and Lily; brother Normand and his wife Shirley Gonthier; and sister-in-law Peg Gonthier; as well as many nieces and nephews. Roland was predeceased by his son-in-law Jason Brown; his sister Sister Dolores Gonthier; and his brother Raymond Gonthier.

Roland attended Amesbury High School, Class of '54; and upon graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in Juneau, Alaska. After completing his military service, Roland earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Merrimack College followed by a master's degree in education administration from the University of Connecticut. After spending two years in Alaska teaching, Roland returned home to New England, where he taught social studies at Fitch Junior High School in Groton, for 38 years. There, Roland quickly became a favorite of students and colleagues alike, taking on roles such as leading the student council for over a decade.

Roland will be remembered as a kind, dedicated and loyal part of the Fitch community. Roland was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Mary's Church in Stonington. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Knights of Columbus. Roland was an exceptional teacher and a loyal friend but above all, Roland was a family man. His daughters and grandchildren were the light of his life, and he enjoyed nothing more than the holiday seasons when he would spend time with close and extended family.

Services to honor Roland's life will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 14, at St. Mary's Church, 22 Broad Street, in Stonington.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Aug. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Roland Gonthier

9 Entries

Victoria W Barri

September 18, 2023

Dear Phebe, Ginny and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Victoria, Caroline and James Barri

Jerrilyn roy girman

September 3, 2023

Phebe ginny and julie
I have so many fond memories
Of tookie he often babysat for me and my brother joey roy
He was a man beyond measure
I a saddened to hear of his passing
Tears for your loss and smiles
For all the memories i
Remember his working at the
Frolics night club at salisbury beach he was my waiter foran
Erroll garner performance a
Wonderful jazz pianist
My late brother joey lived across
The sreet from his parents on river street aunt yvonne and ucle roland were very special to
Me and i loved hearing yvonne
Play the piano and hear about
What all my cousins were doing
Ray norman delores and tookie
I always enjoyed my visits when
I was in high school and college
The entire Gonthier family was
Special to me and I enjoyed
Hearing updates on everyone
While uncle roland enjoyed his
Smoking

Donna S Richards

September 1, 2023

I was so sad to my favorite history teacher here. Although it has been nearly 50 years, my fond memories are still there. I have a wonderful written message in my yearbook that I will cherish forever. Such a wonderful man. Donna Snyder Richards

Maureen Leary Cote

August 31, 2023

Roland was a classmate and dear friend to myself and many others. I remember school dances where he danced wirh all the wall flowers. Everyone had at least one dance. Rest in peace Tookie. Maureen

Sue McVeigh

August 29, 2023

Ginny,
Your father was the sweetest gentleman. My heart goes out to you, Phoebe, and your family.