Roland Arthur Campbell, husband of Alice, and father of Brenda O’Gara and Gene Campbell, passed away peacefully at home on October 17th, with his loving family and caregivers by his side.

     Born on May 23rd, 1925, in Pelham, he was the middle son of Paul H. and Helen L. Campbell. He grew up exploring the many paths and streams of Pelham, always cherishing the nature and history of his beloved town.

    Roland attended the Pelham School and Amherst High School. He  was a student at Bowdoin College until he was called to active duty for the Army in 1943.

Over the years, he has shared his WWII experiences, always describing himself as an Infantryman. On October 22nd, 1944, he was wounded in battle. His service in the U.S. Army concluded with an honorable discharge, and the awarding of a Purple Heart. Throughout his life, he remained a patriot, with the protection and strengthening of our country always in his heart.

    Roland returned home, graduated from the University of Massachusetts, and eventually began a lifetime career with the United States Postal Service.

 In 1946, Roland married the love of his life, Alice Louise Ward.  They built a home in a family-owned apple orchard, in the neighborhood where they grew up, and enjoyed life with their children, friends, neighbors and church. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on June 8th, 2021.

    Roland will forever be remembered and loved by his grandchildren, Scott, Jonathan, and Abigail, for the love, support, and encouragement that he consistently offered, and for his never-ending pride in them. Some of his happiest moments were spent at football, hockey, baseball games, and dance recitals.

    Roland has always been a fan of local and New England sports. He  treasured spending time in his lush gardens, and meticulously plowing snow in the winter. He loved occasionally dining out with Alice, and taking yearly trips to Maine, where he and Alice had honeymooned. Fishing from a boat or the shore, with a hand-tied fly or a worm, always made him happy, and any time spent on a woodland path was therapy.

    Roland will be greatly missed by his adoring wife, Alice, his children, Brenda O’Gara and Gene (Rita), grandchildren Jonathan O’Gara (Sarah), Abigail Jobst (Evan), and Scott Campbell (Paige), and his sweet great grandson, Teddy Campbell, as well as his loving nieces and nephews.

    He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Paul and Norman, and son-in-law Paul O’Gara.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 22nd, at 1:00 at the North Valley Cemetery in Pelham. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Pelham Community Hall Table and Chair Fund ℅ Treasurer, 351 Amherst Road, Pelham, MA 01002.