HOLDEN- Roland "Jack" Phaneuf, 81, of Holden, MA, formerly of Gilbertville and Barre, MA passed away on March 24, 2024, in Worcester, MA. He was born on October 23, 1942, in Ware, MA.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Barbara (Myers), and his daughters Marie Phaneuf of Holden, Marlene (and her husband Robert Simeone) of Barre, and Melissa Carpenter of Florida. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren: Rebekah (and her husband Joe Buckley) of Northampton, Andrew (and his wife Kaleighna) of Jacksonville, FL, and Therese of Barre. Additionally, he is survived by his 2 great-grandchildren, Emelia and Elliott.

Roland was the only son of Conrad and Albertha Phaneuf of Gilbertville, MA where he was raised. He graduated Hardwick High School in 1960 and briefly attended Providence College. Roland was a machinist for Ware Knitters for a number of years, and worked for the Research Division of Albany International in Dedham then in Mansfield, MA for 33 years, retiring in 2007. He was the supervisor for the division that created the felt (FRSI) which is the insulation under the heat resistant tiles on the Space Shuttles for NASA. He holds a group patent for that material and his name is on a plaque in the Aerospace Museum in Washington, DC. Jack was a former selectman for the Town of Hardwick for several years.

Vacations from work were spent with close family at Salisbury Beach. Early morning walks to collect sea glass and sand dollar hunts, fun and relaxation with annual renovation projects including patching the roof during Hurricane Bob.

Upon retirement, Roland could be found growing potatoes in his garden and lovingly mowing the orchard in Walden, VT. He was an avid tool collector, and would lend them out freely. His family was extremely important to him, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with everyone and he especially enjoyed the holidays.

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Monday, April 8,2024 from 10-11AM in Pillsbury Funeral Home 96 S.Barre Rd. Barre. The funeral service will follow at 11:00AM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to UMass Memorial Health Cancer Center BMTU 55 N Lake Ave H1322, Worcester, MA 01605 or Central Mass EMS Corporation, 361 Holden Street, Holden MA 01520.