Roland J. DeFrain, age 78, of Berwick passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, at his home.
Born in Berwick on April 20, 1946, he was the son of the late Charles and Irene C. (Lacomey) Andrews. He attended Berwick High School. Roland proudly served in the United States Army, 101 Airborne Division, where he was a door gunner during the Vietnam War and earned several medals including a bronze star and Distinguished Flying Cross. After an honorable discharge, he worked for Fine Line Homes, Hazleton as a carpenter.
Roland was a life member at the Berwick VFW Post 821, where he served as part of the Honor Guard. He was also a former member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing on occasion, spending time with friends and having a cold beer on a hot day. He loved spending any time he could, playing with his granddaughter.
He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Sue Sabolski and husband Scott, SC; Candy Myers, and husband Robert, Nescopeck; Alison Powlus and husband Jerry, Berwick; and Autumn Martinez and husband Adonis, Pine Key, FL; son, Rick DeFrain and wife Stacey, Nescopeck Twp; 10 grandchildren, including Claudia and Ian DeFrain; Carsyn Myers; Alyssa Powlus; Adonis Martinez Jr; and Anthony Martinez; 4 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Glen Davis; numerous nieces and nephews, including Wendy Bower and Brian Davis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann DeFrain, his sister Bonnie Davis, and his companion Linda Herring.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Heller Funeral Home LLC, 633 E. Third Street, Nescopeck. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Berwick with Military Honors.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Berwick VFW Post 821, 1408 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603 or any military organization of donor’s choice.
Messages of comfort may be sent to his family at condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com