It is with deep sadness that the daughters of Roland A. “Blondie” Loranger announce the passing of their father at age 97, on Sunday, February 12th, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Helen (McAllister) Loranger with whom he shared 74 years of marriage until her passing in 2018. Blondie often spoke of their “first date” when he took her for a ride on the back of his bicycle. He was also fond of talking about the 3 days of “unauthorized leave” from the Navy to marry Helen, only to return to the ship to do 3 days “in the clink with only bread and water.”
Roland was born in Lowell on April 13, 1925 and was the son of the late Arthur and Aldea (Marchand) Loranger.
At a young age, Roland volunteered with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC Camps). At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country as a Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class during WWII aboard the USS PC-575 submarine chaser in the Atlantic and Pacific (1942-1945). From 1947-1950, Roland served in the Naval Reserves to be called back to active duty for the Korean War. During this time, he served aboard the USS Chewacan (AOG-550) as Engineman First Class through 1952.
Roland continued to serve the men who defended this country through his employment for 25 years as an Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Assistant at the Bedford MA Veterans Administration Hospital, being awarded the Special Achievement Award in 1985 for sustained superior job performance.
Roland resided in Dracut and was the owner/president of Collinsville Heating Corp of Dracut, insisting on maintaining his Master Gasfitters License until the age of 93!
Roland is survived by his daughters, Carol E. Fabianek and her husband Roy “Jim” of Westford, Janet M. Gagnon and her husband Thomas of Dracut, and Tricia Loranger and her husband Earl Guptill of Auburn, NH; his six grandchildren, Shane and Scott Fabianek, Michael and April Gagnon, and Justin and Jordan Hill; and six great grandchildren, Alyssa and Brianna Fabianek, Samantha and William Gagnon, and Benjamin and Josephine Hill.
In addition to his wife and parents, Roland is predeceased by his brother, Armand Loranger of South Carolina.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, February 21st from 9am to 11am at the Dracut Funeral Home, 2159 Lakeview Ave., Dracut. His Funeral Service will take place at the Funeral Home immediately following the visitation at 11am. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.