Roland Joseph Sevigny, 87, passed away peacefully at home January 21, 2020, following a recent illness, surrounded by his loving family.
RJ, as he was known by his family and friends, was born July 31, 1932 to Alva Sevigny and Lillian (Mineau) Sevigny in West Warwick. He had one sister and three brothers, Lorraine, Richard, Roland, Robert and Raymond; they all lived together all through their youth before Roland and his family relocated to the west. Roland is descended from a long line of French-Canadian ancestors that eventually settled in the New England area.
In November 1952 he entered the United States military during wartime conflict in Korea, serving in the Army Artillery Division. He served two years in Korea and six years as Standby Reserve. He was honorably discharged in 1960. He received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Roland was a member of the Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers International Union Local 42A in Los Angeles, California, where he worked in the construction trade for several years.
During the late 1980s the family relocated again to Reno, Nevada, where Roland went to work for Lab Corp. He retired from that company after 25 years of continuous service at the age of 82. At the time of his retirement, he was the office manager/dispatcher.
RJ enjoyed many activities, including basketball, baseball, bowling, card games, ping-pong and reading. He enjoyed family gatherings both when his children were young at home and later in life. He had a lifelong love for the game of baseball. He loved to play, watch and talk about it. The Red Sox were his childhood team and he followed them faithfully. He also enjoyed the Reno Aces baseball team and the San Francisco Giants baseball team. He enjoyed the 49ers football team and was happy to see them go to the Super Bowl this year.
He was predeceased in death by his parents and grandparents, brother Richard Sevigny, brother Robert Sevigny and infant grandson Terry Young. He is survived by his lifelong companion, Shirley Sevigny; daughters Deborah McHugh (Michael), Denise Sevigny, Donna Harris (Timothy), Dolly Gugliuzza (Mark); sister Lorraine Mullaney; brother Raymond Sevigny (Ann); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, multiple cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Cremation took place on Monday, January 27 at Walton’s Funeral Home, Reno, Nevada. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Rita’s Church in Oakland Beach at
