Roland E Bercume

Roland E. Bercume, 88 of Worcester passed away peacefully Sunday December 29th 2013 at home, shortly after sharing a special moment with each of his family members, especially his grandchildren. Roland was born in Worcester, one of six children born to French Canadian parents Walter H. and Corinne (Biron) Bercume. He joined the U.S. Navy before finishing high school and proudly served his country in the South Pacific, taking part in over seven battles notably Iwo Jima and the Philippines liberation. Upon his return to Worcester, he met and in 1951 married Virginia M. Papagni whom he spent 62 wonderful years with. Roland began his employed years with Pfeiffer Shoe Company, and later became a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service working for over 20 years before retiring. Always energetic, Roland then went to work for UMass Memorial as a courier for another 15 years. Roland is survived by the love of his life, Virginia; his three children, Roland W. Bercume, his wife Susan and their children, Christine, her husband Vu, Timothy and Joanna, Debra Repetto, her late husband Roy and her children, Stephen, Michael, Jessica and her husband Matteo; Michael, his wife Deborah and their children Michael and Nicole, his best friends and dogs, Gracie, Lily, and Mini. Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Three brothers, Vincent, Walter, and Albert and two sisters, Loretta and Lorraine also pre deceased him. Roland was member of the Grafton Hill American Legion Post 312, The DAV Chapter 4, and the Pope John XXIII Council Knights of Columbus. Roland loved carpentry and working with wood. He loved his occasional trips to Foxwoods. A proud moment was when he received his high school diploma with other veterans at the newly rededicated Union Station where he initially was deployed to the service. Family was very special to Roland, holidays, birthdays, special occasions and especially Sunday dinners were filled with family, love, laughter and fun. Nobody could enter his home without having something to eat or drink. He was truly a dedicated family man. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Friday, January 3rd from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Saturday, January 4th from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 am in St. John Church, 44 Temple Street. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in St. John Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. John Soup Kitchen, 44 Temple St 01604 or Vet's Inc, 60 Grove St Worcester 01608.