BELLINGHAM - Roland A. Desmarais, 75, of Bellingham passed away on Thursday, September 27 in Milford Regional Medical Center after an illness. He was the husband of Eileen (Baldiga) Desmarais for the past 54 years.
Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, September 7, 1943, the son of the late Leo and Paula (Levesque) Desmarais, he was a longtime resident of Bellingham
Mr. Desmarais was the owner of Desmarais Body Works in Bellingham until his retirement.
He enjoyed antique cars and Lionel trains.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughters Susan Smart and her husband Todd of Northfield, New Hampshire and Michelle Bushman of Franklin, New Hampshire.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Samantha, Cody and Kaila.
He is also survived by his brothers Leonard Desmarais and Ernest Desmarais of Bellingham and his brother-in-law Richard Baldiga of San Antonio, Texas.
He was the brother the late Leo Desmarais.
Roland is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Upon Roland's wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral. An informal gathering to celebrate Roland's life will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home, Franklin. (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).

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

Published by Woonsocket Call from Sep. 28 to Oct. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Roland Desmarais

Sponsored by Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin.

9 Entries

Aaron Plunkett

September 29, 2021

Though we had no blood relation, I and my siblings always called him "Uncle Rollie," and I will always consider him family. He was my Father's only real friend, and was a huge part of our lives since I was 3 years old (now 32). He was quirky, loud, and a little rough around the edges, but always had a kind, selfless, generous heart. Many are the times he assisted us financially, gave us vehicles when ours broke, employed myself and my brothers doing odd jobs as teenagers, and helped instill in me a passion for playing guitar and turning wrenches.... he was a joy to be around through all the different stages of our lives and is missed greatly. I will always remember traipsing around his old junkyard with him as a young boy, climbing on all the old cars - everything at Rollie's was an adventure. Thanks for everything you did for us, Rollie - I hope you are resting in the arms of Jesus and I can see you again someday.

Ronald Bethel

September 22, 2020

Roland, we sure had a lot of fun as kids at your uncle Al's body shop.
Ron Bethel

Ron Bethel

September 22, 2019

Hi Roland, We were best of friends and met at your uncle Al's shop. We both learned a lot from him, and our life long friendship was the best part.

I find it interesting that as I was wrighting a note for a friends passing today, is when I received this note about you my friend Roland. Peace be with you.

Jessica Sobolewski

October 13, 2018

I'm going to miss you "Roley Poley"! My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.

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October 10, 2018

My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one.It's difficult to lose a loved one in death.However Our Heavenly Father promise that death will be swallowed up forever.
Isaiah25:8

October 5, 2018

The loss of a love one is difficult. May the precious memories you have help you cope and bring you peace. 1 Thes. 4:14 can bring you some comfort knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be reassuring. May the God of peace be with you and your family.
Linda

September 30, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time. There are no words that can describe the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is in God's memory because those who pass on "are precious in his eyes." Psalms 116:15; 1 John 4:9

Armande Felton

September 29, 2018

We grew up together, and even though miles separated us later, those miles never came between our hearts. I love your big, compassionate heart and I will miss you always, "Little Brother".

Ron Bethel

September 29, 2018

Roland and grew up in the same area where Mendon and Bellingham town line and Rt.140 connect.

As young friends we spent many an hour with his uncle Al's, at Desmarais Body shop.

Al was a great guy and friend to me and uncle to Roland. We both learned so much that no school could ever teach. Roland went on to follow his uncle's profession, and I in business.

We would see each other on occasion and it was always wonderful to catch up on our lives.

With great appreciation to Roland and family to have such a good friend for 60 years and more.

Love you Roland and peace be with you as you look over family and friends.

Ron Bethel, of Certified Sales, Inc. Mendon

When we both went off in business you may remember Ron's Cycle Shop

Roland would come by the Mendon office and say Hi to my sons Robert and Brian, they would call me to wherever I may be and we would all talk and laugh.

You will be surely missed by all the Bethel's

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