Fr. Roland Daigle, OFM Cap.

The Capuchin Franciscan friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother, Fr. Roland Daigle, OFM Cap., who passed from this life on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Albany, N.Y., at the age of seventy-two.

Our brother lived out his Capuchin vocation in our international mission, serving the people of God in Okinawa, Japan, for 31 years and in Guam for 3 years.

Father Roland was the seventh child born to Fortunat Daigle and Irene Begin-Poulin in Augusta, Me., on May 8, 1951. He graduated from St. Augustine Parochial School and Cony High School in Augusta. While working at a textile mill, he studied psychology at the University of Maine, graduating in 1975. For three semesters he was a seminarian for the Diocese of Portland, Me., but his heart was drawn to the Franciscan way of life. He entered the Capuchin order on Aug. 31, 1977, and pronounced perpetual vows on Sept. 18, 1982. He earned his master of divinity degree at Maryknoll School of Theology in 1982, and he was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1984.

After a year in residence at St. Pius X Friary in Middletown, Conn., he began his missionary career with two years of language study in Japan. From 1987 to 2003, Father Roland distinguished himself as a pastor in Awase, Futenma, Koza, and Maehara. He served two terms as minister of the Custody of Japan (2003-09). In his latter years in Okinawa (2009-16), he was a full-time auxiliary chaplain to the U.S. military bases there. He finished his missionary service in Guam as a parochial assistant at St. Jude Church, Sinajana.

In all his works, Father Roland held himself to the highest standards of excellence. He was extremely talented as a self-taught carpenter and tailor. He built furniture for the friaries and churches he served, and he made and repaired habits for many friars. He was also skilled as a facilities manager, finding the best people to undertake major repairs of friaries and church buildings. He enjoyed baking and cooking, and he used to host big Christmas meals for the diocesan clergy of Okinawa.

After a heart attack in Guam in 2019, Father Roland returned to the Province for health reasons. He resided at St. Lawrence Friary, Beacon, N.Y., from August 2021 until shortly before his death. He was pre-deceased by his parents and a brother, the Rev. Donald Daigle. He is survived by two brothers, Lawrence and Maurice; two sisters, Jeanette Fortier and Stella Savage; and 14 nephews and nieces.

The wake will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at St. Clare Friary, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, N.Y. The funeral will be celebrated on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Province of St. Mary in memory of Fr. Roland Daigle in support of the continued good works of the Capuchin Franciscan friars. You can send your donations to the Capuchin Mission & Development Office, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.