Roland Deroy

Roland J. Deroy, 98, of Palm Harbor, Florida, died July 28 th , 2023, at Suncoast Hospice Care Center of North Pinellas County following an extended illness. Roland was born on May 18 th , 1925, in Rumford, Maine. He was the son of the late Edmond Deroy and Yvonne Metivier. On October 23, 1948, he married Mary Pancare in Leominster, Massachusetts and together they shared 60 years of happy marriage.

Survivors include his daughters: Jeannie Deroy, Yvonne Duncan, and Beatrice Murphy. Grandchildren: Dennis Duncan, Philip Duncan, Denyve Boyle, Mary DeRoy and Rae Murphy. Great Grandchildren: Zachary, Brooklyn and Ashlyn Duncan, and Robert and Michael Boyle. In addition, he leaves Jim Murphy, Michael Boyle and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Deroy, and cherished daughter, Teresa Gianni.

Roland was a lifetime member of VFW Post 10757 in Tarpon Springs, Florida and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Roland left Rumford at age 17 to join the Coast Guard during WWII. He served as a Fireman first class aboard the USS Muskegon in the North Atlantic Ocean. He moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts after his discharge. It was there he met his future bride, Mary, at a dance. After the wedding, they bought their first home in Townsend, Massachusetts. Seeking to further his career in Thoroughbred Racing, he moved his family to Laurel, Maryland where he successfully trained his, and other owner’s, horses.

Later, he and Mary moved to Salem, New Hampshire. There, they bought the Gateside Pizza and ran a prosperous business for 12 years. Wanting to escape cold winters, he and Mary retired to Tarpon Springs, Florida. There he enjoyed fishing, horse racing, carpentry, cooking, travel and spending time with Mary, his family and friends.

Roland’s daughters wish to thank our extended family members who kept in touch with him throughout his final years; he loved you. A heartfelt thank you to the staff and residents of St. Mark’s Village for taking good care of our father. In addition, Suncoast Hospice offered much needed care and understanding to Dad and our family during his final days.

At the request of our father, a special thank you to Mo, his nurse at St. Mark’s, who went above and beyond to help Dad. He also wishes to acknowledge Dr. Michael Saccente and his staff for patience and good humor in caring for him throughout the years.

A memorial will be held at Veteran’s Funeral Home, 830 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33765.

Monday, August 14, 2023
2:00 Visitation.
3:00 Honors Presentation.
4:00 Refreshments.