Roland E. Boucher, 86, born and raised in Haverhill, passed away Jan. 10, in Haverhill.
He was born Sept. 7, 1929 to George and Ruth (Merrick) Boucher. He grew up in the Rosemont section of Haverhill where he made many lifelong friends. He attended Haverhill Public Schools and was a graduate of Haverhill Trade School. Boucher was a gifted baseball pitcher in his youth. He tried out for the Boston Red Sox in 1948 and later signed minor league contracts with the Red Sox and subsequently with the St. Louis Cardinals. He pitched two seasons in the Red Sox and Cardinal organizations. In 1951, after a brief stint in the United States Army, he returned to Haverhill to seek employment, and met his future bride, Nancy Pheil. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage. The majority of his work career was spent at Western Electric, North Andover, where he rose to the level of supervisor. He retired in 1982. Boucher spent his retirement enjoying his favorite pastimes-landscaping, gardening, golfing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Roland Jr. and wife Donna, Lynne Benedetto and husband, Alfred, Gary Boucher, Stephen Boucher and wife Diane and Daniel Boucher and his companion Diane; brother George Boucher and his wife Marlene; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Oliver Boucher and his wife, Frances.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours Wednesday Jan. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer and Sons Bradford Funeral Home, 210 South Main St. (route 125) Bradford. His funeral service and interment in Maplewood Cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Haverhill Salvation Army, 395 Main St.