Roland T. Cotton, 90, of Harvard and formerly of Haverhill, passed away peacefully May 26, at Rivercrest, Concord. Cotton was the husband of the late Frances J. (Donovan) Cotton.
Born in Haverhill June 22, 1926, he was the son of the late Percy and Florence J. (Grater) Cotton. He graduated from Haverhill Trade School, class of 1944, and continued his education, graduating from Fitchburg State College. He served as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rating of shipfitter second class. Cotton spent 28 years in vocational education, retiring from the Greater Lawrence Technical School as assistant director.
He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Bradford and past president of the Lawrence Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. In his leisure time Cotton enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling with his wife Fran.
Cotton is survived by his children, Thomas W. Cotton and his wife Rhonda of Harvard, David R. Cotton and his wife Karen of Manalapan, N.J., and Jane F. Robbertz and her husband Anthony of Acton; seven grandchildren; a great grandson; sister, Marjorie Cotton of Haverhill; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Donald Cotton and Doris Boyd.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m., at Dole, Childs and Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill. Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Bural, with full military honors, takes place at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to GLTS Scholarship Fund, and mailed to GLTS, 57 River Road, Andover, MA 01810. Please note “In memory of Roland Cotton” on the check.