Roland R. "Butch" Desreuisseau

Orange, MA — Roland Ralph "Butch" Desreuisseau, 74, died Sunday, February 26, 2023, at his home after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 50 years, Susan E. (Brackett) Desreuisseau; two daughters, April Ropes and her husband David of Hudson, and Kelly Desreuisseau of Attleboro; two grandchildren, Lillian Ropes and Oscar Ropes of Hudson; one brother, Dana Desreuisseau of Orange, and many nieces and nephews. Five brothers and two sisters predeceased him.

Roland was born in Greenfield, on January 14, 1949, a son of the late Amey and Madeline (Stevens) Desreuisseau. He grew up in Orange and was a graduate of Greenfield Trade School. During his youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and loved fishing and camping. He played drums in various rock and country bands, and he was famous for playing "wipe-out" on the drums at the end of a night.

He was a Lance Corporal in the USMC during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart from his injuries. After the war, he met the love of his life, Susan and they were married in 1972. He owned and operated D & D Construction for almost 50 years. He was a man who would have worked 24 hours a day if possible, as he loved what he did. He enjoyed remodeling old houses and making custom furniture.

Roland was proud of his French-Canadian heritage. Every Christmas, he would make Tortiere (French-Canadian meat pie) with his mother, then his sister; and in the last few years, with his daughter Kelly. He would always make sure that everyone who wanted one, received a pie. He played cribbage for many years and was very proud to win a cribbage tournament with his mother in 1990.

In his later years, Butch enjoyed visiting historic sites and studying the architecture of old buildings. He also enjoyed family trips to the ocean and reading. He was an avid meditator and a huge Patriots Fan. He especially loved spending time with his daughters, grandchildren and his cat Moe.

His funeral will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in the Fiske-Murphy and Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA.

There will be calling hours from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. prior to the service.

Burial will follow in the South Cemetery, Orange, MA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach at www.veterans-outreach.org. (268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440)

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.mackfamilyfh.com

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, Funeral Directors.