Roland J. Martineau

Born in Tiverton, on the second floor of what was known in later years as the Guimond Farms store owned by his grandfather. He was the youngest of seven children born to the late William and Aurore (Legault) Martineau.

He grew up in Fall River and attended St. Jean the Baptiste school, Henry Lord Junior High and B.M.C. Durfee High School before joining the military. He served in the Korean War as an MP in Germany and often recalled fondly his time there. He met his future wife at Truesdale Hospital and they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 17.

He worked in various industries, returning to school and attending Johnson and Wales University where he studied culinary arts, but his love of the military was too strong and he rejoined the army as a recruiter for over 20 years achieving many milestones and awards. He was especially proud of his work going into local high schools and talking with students about their future careers. He retired from the Army reserve as a Sergeant 1st class.

A recipient of the ARCOM Award, Good Conduct Medal and an Overseas Ribbon, Butch went on to work as a Police Officer for the City of Fall River, a Deputy Sheriff for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, and a reserve officer in Swansea, all before retiring from the Swansea Police Association and Sheriff’s Office. He had an amazing energy and zest for life and after his second retirement started his own courier business with his wife. He always had an idea for a new business and kept notebooks written with ideas to make the world a better place. His motto was “Find a need and fill it”.

Several moments in his life stand out including his community service which started in his beloved city of Fall River organizing bus trips for kids to parks and beaches. He loved politics and worked for Representative Margaret Heckler for many years. His interest in politics never wavered and he kept up with local and national politics up until his last days. He was part of the special security detail for Pope John’s visit to Boston and after that was deeply devoted to him.

He was a true renaissance man who had many interests. He spoke fluent French (his first language) and German. For many years he worked the local wrestling circuit as the dynamic Mr. X working with his good friend Low Price Lenny. Together they put on wrestling shows and he counted many professional wrestlers as his friends, including the late Professor Toru Tanaka. He wrote a wrestling and racing column for the Herald News and was head of security at the Seekonk Speedway for several years. In later years, he had a weekly show on Swansea Cable Access where he interviewed people and talked on the issues of the day. Veterans and politics were two of his favorite subjects and he would always share his thoughts and opinions. If you met him, you would not forget him. He had a gregarious and generous spirit.

He loved many things but above all else his beloved wife and children, his faith which sustained him throughout his life and his love of the military. He never stopped trying to find ways to help veterans. He belonged to many organizations over his lifetime including, the VFW, The AMVETs and the DAV. His was a life of service and he was the director of the Swansea Emergency Management Agency along with serving on other committees. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone who needed it. A deeply religious man he belonged to several churches including St. Anne’s in Fall River and St. Francis of Assisi in Swansea. Even after going to Mass became difficult, he and his wife would watch the daily Mass and say the Rosary. He was always praying. We are thankful for the Eucharistic Ministers who brought him communion each week. It was his faith in God that got him through the trials and tragedies of this life.

Besides his devoted wife, he is survived by seven children, Carol Gafford of Warren, Paula Ouellette and her husband Jeremiah of Dartmouth, Roland Martineau, Jr. and his girlfriend Lisa of Somerset, Steven Martineau of Fall River, Anthony “AJ” Martineau of Swansea, William Martineau and his wife Crystal of Fall River and Liza Perry and her husband Chris of Warren; thirteen grandchildren, Crystal, Lenny, Chelsea, Courtney, Megan, Tessa, Sabrina, Hunter, Amber, Trevor, Katie, Alexandre and Nathaniel; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the youngest of seven children and was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Gavigan Audette, Betty Heywood, Edna Dumas, Theresa Normandin, Germaine Wilkinson Ronco and brother Raymond Martineau, and son-in-law Sam Gafford.

To say he will be missed is an understatement. The world is much less without him. He will be remembered for his witty wisdom and sayings, handing out his inspirational business cards and pins to friends and strangers alike. We have no doubt that when he walked into heaven God was waiting with open arms stating Well done, good and faithful servant.

His and his late wife’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Visitation prior from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in Butch’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or to the Swansea Public Library, 69 Main St., Swansea, MA 02777.