Roland J. Riendeau died December 19, 2016 at West View Nursing Home in Warwick, he had just celebrated his 90th birthday on September 5th. He was the husband of the late Rita (Lefrancois) Riendeau. Born in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late Arthur and Laura (Savoie) Riendeau. Roland was a WWII Navy Veteran. Roland was a weaver and chain builder for several area mills including the Empire Woolen Mill. He also worked for Roger Williams Foods in Cumberland until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the Teamsters Union # 251. His favorite job was playing drums with his band called the Majestic Trio back in the day and could still drum up a storm at age 90.
Cribbage was his passion and he took 1st place numerous times through the years. His last 1st place win was when he was 90 years old. He was a member of the Precious Blood Cribbage League for several years. Roland enjoyed people, food, and coffee. Many a day, you would find him outside sitting on the bench in front of St. Germain Manor, his home for many years, talking with the guys and other residents. He was a Member of the Golden Hearts Club, and St. Joseph Sr. Citizens.
He leaves behind his three loving children, Rina Hopkins of Cranston, Armand Riendeau and his wife Janis of Jacksonville, FL, and Lorraine Smelser and her husband William of Gillette, WY; and two grandsons, John and Chris Riendeau, both of Jacksonville, FL. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Doug Hopkins, and grand-daughter Mary Anne Riendeau.
His funeral with visitation will be held Tuesday at 9:30 AM from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 99 Cumberland St., Woonsocket, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in All Saints Church, 323 Rathbun St., Woonsocket. Burial with Military honors will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery in Bellingham. In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer Association, 245 Waterman St. Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906 or a charity of your choice in Roland’s name would be appreciated.