This month I met up with fellow Medford High School grad Pius Tse, class of 1974, and we reminisced about our friend. I knew Roland as a  devoted reader who also got me a job at the Scot gas station on the Fellsway. Pius knew Roland from the soccer team. How many wonderful memories we shared of our bright, funny, athletic, loyal, kind friend.

Roland was my best friend in high school. He got me my first job, at the Scot's station on the Fellsway in Medford, MA. We pumped gas together during the Arab oil embargo, with a hundred cars lined up for fuel and having oil checked, etc. Those were "full service" days.

During the rare lulls, we got hot coffee and doughnuts from across the street--it was a freezing Boston winter, and usually at night. We'd drink our coffee and eat doughnuts and talk about books. We learned a lot together--dealing with angry motorists, handling money, teamwork, and an ever-deeper friendship. Those are some of my happiest memories.

And our moms were friends, both interested in knitting, and my mom (died in 2015 at age 104--a holy and happy life) bought yarn from Mrs. Reis from her Yarn Shop in Central Square. Mr and Mrs. Reis, Ruby, Rhue, all of you--your boy was a treasure. I send you endless love and good memories from Los Angeles. Roland's memory is a blessing.

(Photo is me and my late mom,  Anne Theroux, who is now giving Roland a hug in Heaven.)

I worked at the Health Department with Roland for close to 25 years. He was always friendly, and when not discussing work we talked about football. He will be missed, my sincere condolences to the family, and his friends. 

I was introduced to Roland in 1968 at the Hobbs Junior high School as our new classmate by Mr. McGinnis.  RIP my friend.  Jim Luciano

My dear friend Roland, I will never see a picture hanging askew on a wall without thinking of you.  I have good memories of working with you at the DOH, especially once when we drove up to Tallahassee for an IRB meeting and discussing the World Cup.  May the Lord hold you in His Eternal Embrace. 

I learned so much from Roland Reis in the 8 years that I had the sincere pleasure of working with him at FDOH in Bartow. He was the Attorney and I was a new Director of Nursing at the time.  Roland is the one who encouraged me to get my Master's in Public Health.  He taught me so much about how to properly handle staff issues.  He provided advise and counsel that I use to this day in the workplace.  I speak of him often and relay advise that he gave to me to my current staff.  I can recall a few times when he sat behind his desk and shook his head in disagreement with the way that I had handled something.  Then he would look up at me with a smirk and I knew he wasn't really mad.  I will miss you Roland Reis, in many ways you were an important mentor who influenced my career.  I had hoped that we would see each other again someday..... and we will my friend...we will!    
Michele (Ford) Lemaster

I had the privilege of getting to know Roland during his tenure as the Managing Attorney for Child Welfare Services at the Department of Children and Families.  Always the consummate professional, representing abused and neglected children with objectivity and sensitivity.  Sincerest condolences to and prayers for his family. 

Roland erat vir bonus.  He was a sommelier, a linguist of Latin, and a connoisseur of Wolfie's Restaurant pickles.   A vita boni vixit !  

So many fond memories of Roland....discussing politics during a visit at the DOH or sharing a meal at a Sunrise group home event.   May his family take comfort from the many people who will undoubtedly remember his generosity.   A true servant who lived his mission.  My sympathies to his family.

I am saddened to hear of Roland's passing. I worked with him in Polk County, Health Department and Children's Medical Services. I also knew him from LA Fitness and he was my neighbor in Brandon for many years. I will always be thankful and grateful for him inspiring and encouraging me to pursue my Masters in Public Health from the University of South Florida. We shared many memories on our time at USF.  Condolences to Roland's family. God bless you. Sincerely Linda LaComb Williams

I am saddened to hear of Roland's death. We worked together at DCF and I was most fond of him. He cared about what happened to our kids. He was a good and honorable man. He died much too young. 

With heartfelt sympathy to Roland’s family, whom he so deeply loved.  For those of us at the Florida Department of Health, Office of the General Counsel, Roland was a friend, colleague and mentor.  It was a privilege and pleasure to share our vocation with him.  We were all so enriched by knowing Roland and having him in our lives.  He was always so compassionate and dedicated to every one of his clients and his causes.  He was an exemplary public servant, knowing that he was making a difference for people each and every day.  In working with Roland for most of his career, I will miss his thoughtfulness and consideration.  When you shared a conversation with him, you always knew that he listened with care, concern and interest, wanting to understand and committed to help.  You learned more about the topic, and you often learned something more about yourself.  Such a blessing and a gift.  Roland was a gentleman, scholar, philosopher, theologian, attorney, and so much more.  We will miss him dearly.  May God bless Roland, our friend, with eternal peace. 

I worked with Roland for many years at the Health Department in Bartow.   I always will remember Roland for his sense of humor and his calm and quiet demeanor.    My prayers and sympathy go out to his family.   

I am shocked to hear of Roland's death.  I worked in Nursing Administration @ the Polk County Health Department.  His office was across the hall.  I'll always remember his laid back demeanor & his smile.  You all have my deepest sympathy.


Throughout high school, Roland was a cherished friend.  We shared many classes and played a variety of sports.  Roland was a very intelligent and at times a serious young man.  He was also fun to joke with and knew how to joke back.  We were always doing something together.  Meeting at his house to play hockey on a nearby pond.  Getting together with a group of friends for touch football.  I admired his outstanding soccer skills.  I mostly remember Roland as a fine young man with a loving family.  We went off to college and life took us in different directions.  But, there has always been a cherished piece of the Reis family in my heart.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Please accept my deepest heart felt condolences to his loving family.  I worked with Roland 10+ years ago and enjoyed conversations with him in the office and during lunch.  He was a good man and was always willing to help those in need.  I recall when my 18 year old son received a moving violation ticket while on the highway.  The officer was having a bad day and wrongfully issued a citation.  During lunch, I mentioned the issue and Roland offered to attend the hearing with my son & myself during his personal time.  The fraudulent charge was dismissed and a scared 18 year old was spared points on his license along with the costs of a ticket.  This is just one example, of so many, where Roland made a difference in someone's life.  I was honored to have met Roland and will never forget his kindness.  A very good man that made a difference in many lives.  God Bless.

Roland was a deep thinker. He worried deeply about events happening around the world, always thinking how he could make a difference. He loved his religion and was very close to God. He was passionate about topics such as politics, religion, and sports. I will greatly miss our meaningful conversations, his friendship, and his mentorship.  My deepest condolences to his family he loved so much.

I extend my most heartfelt condolences to you, Roland's cherished family. I have known Roland for 30 years and am proud to call him my friend. He was one of the most genuinely kind souls I've  ever known.  I remember when his sister had her boys. He loved them so and was so proud to be an uncle.  He talked of nothing else in those days.  He was equally proud of all of his nieces and nephews.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I pray God's grace and mercy over your family and that in time you are able to rejoice in your memories of this magnificent man.                                                   

I have been with the Health Department for 30 years.  I have known Roland all these years and I appreciated his friendship and professionalism.  We would visit various sites and he was always willing to listen to help him become a better lawyer for the department.  We will miss him.  Thank you for allowing me share!

My deepest sympathy to the family and I shall continue to offer up prays for your family. Roland was a very quiet person. I had the pleasure of know him for 18 years as I work for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County.



My favorite memories were during football season when we'd go out to lunch after the Sunday Bucs game and discuss what happened. I always looked forward to those Mondays.  I took the attached photo one day when we were heading out to lunch and Roland saw my new car for the first time. I knew he'd be surprised and he didn't disappoint.

The shock of loss has not worn off, and will not for a long time.  His quiet, unassuming humbleness worked constantly to help people on an individual basis and on a community wide scale. He gave his life for public health and justice.

I miss our shared laughs and many discussions on topics he was so astute.  His pride and love for his parents, siblings, nephews, nieces (and the Portugal National Football Team) was always a bright spot for him.

Thank you Roland, for your counsel, good advice, and never letting us down. Rest In Peace. 


I’m so sorry to hear about Roland’s passing. I have great memories of working with him.  He was an exceptionally intelligent and kind  man! His loss is heartbreaking. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless...

I am incredibly saddened by my friends sudden passing. A kinder and more decent man I will never find. God bless all of you and God bless Rolands soul. 

Roland was a great advisor and a cherished friend.  His professional manner and his enthusiasm will be remembered.  He will be greatly missed.

With deepest sympathy,

Dr. and Mrs.  Sandy Zelnick

I was so sad to hear of Roland’s passing. He was always the kindest person. I discovered that I still had his copy of Hamlet in all of my childhood books. He was one of the most caring people I was ever blessed to come across on my life path. I know he will be greatly missed. Much love and hugs to his doting family. He knew how much he was loved. 

OBITUARY

Roland Robert Reis

January 22, 1956 – May 31, 2021

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services