Salem: Roland J. Charette, age 82 of Salem, died at home Sunday morning, October 2, 2011 following a long illness. He was the devoted husband of Virginia M. (Porter) Charette, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.
Born in Kennebunk, Maine, he was the son of the late Joseph N. and Blanche (Houle) Charette and was the step-son of the late Yvonne (Pelletier) Charette. Roland was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy in Salem. A veteran of the Korean Conflict he served with the Army as Sargent in the 7th Division, 31st infantry on the front line; and a rifleman in the Polar Bear Regiment. Following his tour of duty, he returned to Salem and followed his true passion of working with horses. He began his equestrian career in Hamilton, where he worked training and riding horses for polo and dressage competition. He later owned and trained thoroughbred race horses which ran at many of well known race tracks on the east coast. In addition to his training positions, he was a professional polo player and rodeo bronco rider. Roland was employed for over 25 years as a district manager for the Salem News. He retired from the News in 1991.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 6 daughters, Daphne Charette and her fiancée Dhia AlBahali of Acton, Heather Blake and her husband Jason of Peabody, Fern Morse and her husband Jeffrey of Danvers, Laurel Charette and her husband Scott Yaffe of Lynn, Iris Savary of Salem, Lily O’Neill and her husband William of Rindge, NH, 2 sons, Creighton Charette and his wife Denise of Bradford, Jason Charette of Salem, a brother Paul Charette and his wife Joan of Danvers, 3 sisters, Claire Pelletier of Danvers, Diane Charette of Salem, Janet Bouchard and her husband Alan of Beverly, 15 grandchildren, Cameron Cataldo, Noah & Isabella Blake, Jennifer, Jonathan & Jacqueline Morse, Danae & Jake Doane, Ivy & Adam Charette, Camille & Isaac Yaffe, Destiny Hamilton, Cailees & Trent O’Neill, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Rita Boivin.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visiting hours on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. For additional information and guestbook, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com