Hudson – Roland J. Panneton, 93, of Hudson, passed away unexpectedly at home Nov. 13, 2018. He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Dorothy M. (Millett) Panneton, who predeceased him in 1994.
Roland was born Nov. 24, 1924 in Westford, the fourth of nine children of the late Thomas and Clara (Bastarache) Panneton. He was the first of the Pannetons to be born in the United States after his parents emigrated from Quebec, Canada with his older siblings.
Roland was raised in Westford and shortly after finishing high school honorably enlisted in the United States Army and bravely fought in the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central European battles and campaigns during WWII from 1943 until 1946. After returning home from the service, Roland, married the love of his life, Dorothy Millett and together they settled in Hudson, where he has resided for the past 67 years.
Roland worked as a barber for many years and later as a baker for IGA Corp., where he eventually retired from. He was also a member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson.
Roland was a true family man and enjoyed the peacefulness of his home and being surrounded by family. He was a DIY handyman and an expert with duct tape. He was an avid New England sports fan and also enjoyed ballroom and line dancing with his wife, Dorothy.
Roland is survived by three children, John J. Panneton and his wife Carol of Hudson, Carl T. Panneton and his fiancé Silvia Nava of Hudson, and Nancy M. Bissonnette and her husband Bob of Clinton, Pa.; a daughter-in-law, Elsa Panneton of Hudson; his sister, Theresa Daly of Westford; six grandchildren, Nicole Wells and her husband Ed, Elizabeth Petrain and her husband Carl, Cole Panneton and his fiancé Jona Muhameti, Sean Panneton, Dennis “D.J.” Panneton, and Andrew “Hunter” Panneton; five great-grandchildren, Ashley, Katie, Brittney, Aureylia and Dante; a great-great-grandchild, Nathaniel; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Dorothy M. (Millett) Panneton, and his parents, Roland was also predeceased by his son, Paul A. Panneton, and his siblings, Mary Winkle, Anthony Panneton, Lionel Panneton, Lindy Surawski, Raymond Panneton, Marcel Panneton and Robert Panneton.
Relatives and friend are invited to calling hours Friday, Nov. 16, from 4-7 p.m., at Tighe Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m., at Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, followed by interment at Saint Michael Cemetery in Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 (www.heart.org).
