Roland Joseph Bouvier

Roland Joseph Bouvier

Roland Joseph Bouvier, age 89, of Shiremanstown, passed away at home on Saturday, May 23, 2020.  Roland was born on Monday, September 29, 1930, in Lake Placid, NY to the late Hermas Joseph Bouvier and Blanche (Douglass) Bouvier.  Roland was the widower of Janet (Laubach) Bouvier, whom he married on November 21, 1953, and who died on June 13, 2013.  In addition to his parents and wife, Roland is preceded in death by his brother, Bernard “Bernie” Bouvier, his niece, Jennifer, and his beloved canine companion, Parker.

Roland’s survivors include his three daughters: Ann Bouvier DiSilvestro and Joseph DiSilvestro of Arizona, Caroline Bouvier and Timothy Row of Washington, Susan Bouvier of Pennsylvania and John Bresnahan of Illinois; his three grandchildren: Ryan DiSilvestro, Philip DiSilvestro, Jacqueline Row; his sister-in-law June Bouvier of Massachusetts; his brother-in-law James Laubach and wife Elaine of Pennsylvania; his three nieces:  Fayth, Victoria, Sharon; his six nephews:  John, Joseph, Stephen, Edward, Thomas, Jonathan; his nine grandnieces:  Erika, Samantha, Alessandra, Laura, Maria, Josephine, Tess, Sarah, Isabel; one grandnephew, Garrett; one great-grandniece, three great-grandnephews; his beloved canine companions, Archie and Elsa; and his feline friends, Scout and Baby Cat.

As a boy in Lake Placid, Roland explored his passion for the outdoors and became a true sportsman as he hunted, fished, camped, golfed, and played hockey surrounded by the primeval and pristine beauty of the Adirondacks.  As a teen, Roland took a job as night manager of the 1932 Olympic ice rink, mostly so he could book ice time for himself, his brother Bernie, and their buddies.  His passion for ice hockey took Roland to St. Lawrence University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and played goalie for the Saints, defending the net for the Saints’ undefeated 1949-50 Hall of Fame team.  Roland’s ambidextrous gift and incredible hand-eye coordination made him an unbeatable goalie and fierce competitor on the golf links.

Roland was drafted into the U.S. Army upon graduation.  Thanks to a dance sponsored by the Harrisburg YWCA for the soldiers at Fort Indiantown Gap, he met the love of his life, his wife Janet.  After his honorable discharge, Roland went to work in construction for the company owned by Janet's father, then moved on to the Pontiac Division of General Motors.  After Pontiac, Roland pursued a career as a management consultant before settling into the management team of R.H. Sheppard in Hanover, PA, where he worked until retirement.

Roland always believed in doing the right thing and in giving back to the community.  He served on the Shiremanstown Borough Council, taught CCD and ushered at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and donated over 69 pints of blood to the Red Cross.  While always an animal advocate, in later years Roland was proud to tell everyone he met about his pit bull companion, Parker, and how he rescued Parker from “dog jail”.  They were old men together, and both went to wellness PT; Roland for his neuropathy and Parker for his hip dysplasia.

Roland was an avid organic gardener and was passionate about providing wholesome food for his beloved wife and three daughters.  His family was first and foremost in his life.

All are welcome to join Roland’s family for his gathering of family and friends and viewing in person at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and via video chat or telephone on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, from 9:00 until 9:30 a.m.  Family and friends are invited to Roland’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., via video chat or telephone, and in person at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055,  with The Reverend Thomas J. Rozman celebrating.  Military honors will be presented outside immediately following the Mass.  Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.

Contributions in celebration of Roland’s life can be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111-5415, www.HumaneSocietyHbg.org/Donate.

Roland’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Roland’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link(s) below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Gathering of Family and Friends and Viewing

Family and friends are welcome to join Roland's family via video chat or telephone on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89149291166

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 891 4929 1166

Mass of Christian Burial

Family and friends are welcome to join Roland's family via video chat or telephone on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83455298627

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 834 5529 8627

By participating in chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.

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