Roland A. Lauria, a cherished family man and respected community member, passed away peacefully at his home in Standish, Michigan on May 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 13, 1937, in Munger, Michigan, to the late Woodrow and Bessie (Hildebrand) Lauria, Roland grew to embody the values of hard work, dedication, and kindness that were instilled in him from a young age.
Known for his friendly demeanor and wise counsel, Roland was the pillar of his family and a friend to all who knew him. His life was a testament to the love he had for his daughters, Debbra Lauria, Kimberly Cousineau, Ronda (Paul) Strzelecki, and Bridgett Husted, and their mother, Sandra (Beauchamp) Lauria, who preceded him in death in 2006. His legacy continues through his nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the memories of their beloved patriarch.
Roland’s siblings, Gerry (Ruth) Lauria, Larry (Judy) Lauria, and Judy Williams, will remember him for his unwavering support and the joy he brought to their lives. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill Lauria and sister Marilyn Gray, with whom he is now reunited.
A highly skilled electrician, Roland retired from General Motors Nodular & Gray Iron Foundries, where his expertise and strong work ethic were greatly valued. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the owner of Rols Auto Parts in Standish and Pinconning, where he continued to serve the community with integrity and care.
Beyond his professional life, Roland’s passion for car racing was evident to all who knew him. He dedicated countless hours to building race cars for others, repairing and fixing vehicles with a meticulousness that only he could achieve. His hands were rarely still, always busy with the next project or offering assistance to fellow racers.
Roland’s interests extended beyond the racetrack. He found joy in trips to the casinos, traveling to new places, and, above all, spending time with his family. He took great pride in his gardening, cultivating his flower beds and yard into spaces of beauty that reflected his love for nature.
His ability to fix almost anything earned him the reputation of being incredibly handy—a trait that he often used to benefit those around him. Roland’s wisdom, garnered from a life well-lived, was generously shared with friends and family, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives he touched.
As we bid farewell to Roland A. Lauria, we celebrate a life rich with accomplishment, love, and community service. He will be dearly missed, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us. Roland’s story is one of a life fully lived and a man greatly loved, whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home – Standish Chapel, Standish MI.
