Roland E. Plourde, a Major Force Behind Annual VFW Santa Parades in Haverhill, Dies at 69

Roland E. Plourde.

Roland E. Plourde, 69, husband of Jody (Chisnall) Plourde, of Plaistow, N.H., formerly of Haverhill, passed away Friday at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen after being stricken suddenly at his residence.

Born in Methuen, he was the son of the late Roland C. and Therese (Proulx) Plourde. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he attended St. Joseph Grammar School and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 1971. He also attended Bentley College.

Plourde began his career in construction as a self-employed contractor and, for the past 30 years, he was employed as a window salesman for Coastal Industries in Haverhill. Active in the Haverhill community, he volunteered for over 35 years as a member of the VFW Santa Parade Committee and took great pride in the organization of that event.

“Rolie” enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family. With his wife Jody by his side, he enjoyed going out dancing locally. He loved traveling, whether it be Naples, Fla., or camping at Naples Maine, he also played softball and skiing at the White mountains and hosting and back yard BBQs . He was known to be a “tinkerer,” never sitting still always working around the house or fixing his 1988 Chevy pickup truck.

He leaves his beloved wife of 30 years, Jody A. (Chisnall) Plourde, of Plaistow; children Danielle M. Graham and her husband, Justin, of East Hampstead, N.H., and Andrew R. and his wife Gina M. Plourde, of Chester, N.H.; brothers; Richard Plourde, of Florida, Joseph Plourde and his wife, Margaret, of Methuen, Daniel and his wife, Doreen “Dee” Plourde, of Haverhill, Jaime Plourde and his partner, Kelly Musselman, of Florida; and sister-in-law, Rose Plourde, of Haverhill. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and cousins and friends, all who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill.

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