Roland Bachman

Roland Joseph Bachman (Joe), a resident of Massachusetts since 1984, died peacefully on July 6 at Hope Health Hospice in Providence, Rhode Island. Joe was born in Metamora (Peoria) Illinois to Elton Bachman and Eleanor (Nauman) Bachman.

Joe graduated from Metamora Township High School, class of 1965. Throughout high school, he worked at Bursott’s Bakery, where he honed his baking skills, and he made baking his hobby later in life. He often baked for friends and neighbors and the local kids. His mom’s gingerbread cookie recipe often stole the show at Christmas parties.

While working for Western Electric (AT&T and Bell Telephone), he was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1966. He served as a pole lineman and field wireman in Vietnam D Company 40th Signal Battalion 1st Signal Brigade stationed in Binh Dinh province, with the mission of wiring South Vietnam for telephone service. He also spent time in Thailand. After returning home, he married, had two children and started a carpentry business. In 1984, he moved to Massachusetts, where he met his wife, Jennifer (MacKay) Bachman, formerly of Hopkinton.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, Randy and Rick, four grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Ziggy. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a sister, several nieces and nephews and his dog Tyedye.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Health Hospice North Providence, Milford Regional Medical Center, Baypath Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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