Roland Peter Richer

"Palmer - Roland P. Richer of Palmer, passed away Friday, July 29, 2016 at Baystate Wing Hospital. Born in Adamsville, Quebec, Canada on September 26, 1921 he was a son of the late Jeffrey and Louise (Maynard) Richer. Roland retired in 1983 from Pierson Industries where he was the production manager. He attended public schools in Enfield, CT and was a graduate of Enfield High School. Roland proudly served his country on the original crew of the USS Missouri - "a plank member" - and was an eye witness to the signing of the peace treaty on the deck of the Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan, September 2, 1945. He was very active with the Palmer Senior Center and was a former chairman of the Council of Aging, treasurer of the Golden Agers and member of club 55. Roland was also a Past District Governor and chairman of the Board of Governors, president of Palmer Lion's Club and a delegate to the International Convention in 1978 in Tokyo, Japan. He was the financial secretary for Palmer Council 376 Knights of Columbus where he was also 4th degree knight, former grand knight and a past district warden. Roland was also a member of American Legion Post 130. Roland was predeceased by his loving wife, Marie Rose (Riel) Richer in 2002. He leaves his children, Jeanne Lucey of Palmer, Paul Richer and his wife Lynn Plotczik of Palmer, Thomas Richer and his wife Cederia of Palmer, and David Richer and his wife Sandy of NC. Roland also leaves his eight grandchildren, Denise, Michael, Zachary, Travis, Mary, Desiree, Seth, and Joshua, along with many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He also leaves his good friend, James Custodie, who will miss their daily chats about the Red Sox. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 starting at 9am at Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Thomas Church, 1076 Thorndike St. Rites of Committal will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 1, 2016 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Palmer Senior Center. For more information please visit www.beersandstory.com. "