Roland J. "Frenchy" Milliard

Roland J. "Frenchy" Milliard, 83, a resident of Dracut, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday March 18, 2016. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara R (Gorman) Milliard with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in The Little Canada section of Lowell on February 13, 1933, he was the son of the late Louis and Lea (Dumas) Milliard
Roland was a devoted husband, caring father, and courageous soldier. He was very proud of his military service retiring from the U.S. Army in 1971 after 22 years of service and achieving the rank of First Sergeant. Roland began his military service in 1949 with the 82nd Airborne division serving in the Korean war. He later graduated from the Army Ranger school and went on to become a member of the elite U.S. Army Special Forces - Green Berets, where he participated in various counterinsurgency missions throughout the world including Africa and South America. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam serving with distinction and bravery earning a Bronze star with "V" device for Valor and the Purple Heart. Some of his other military honors and awards include two additional Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, Master Paratrooper Wings, U.S. Jungle Expert, Combat Infantry Badge with Star, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Three Army Presidential Unit Citations, and the Vietnam Service Medal.


After retiring from the Army Roland held various positions working for the City of Lowell, Precision Electronics and St. Michael School. He was gifted in languages and enjoyed practicing his fluent French and Spanish on native speakers whenever the opportunity presented itself. He also taught himself Khmer (Cambodian) practicing with people he met on the street. Roland loved animals especially his dog Humphrey, named after the street in Lowell where he raised his children.

During the past five years Roland was the caretaker for his beloved wife Barbara. His dedication and commitment to her care was inspiring

Roland was a member of the VFW Walker Rogers Post 662 in Lowell.




He is survived by his four sons, Attorney Roland L. Milliard of Dracut, Robert P. Milliard and his wife Susan (Lavallee) of North Andover, Richard J. Milliard and his wife Darlene (O'Flaherty) of Melbourne, FL and Raymond J. Milliard and his wife Julie (McLaughlin) of Windham, NH; two daughters, Katherine I. Malarney of Andover and Theresa M. Kennelly and her husband Joseph of Ramsey, NJ; a sister Evelyn Lambert of Oxford Me; a sister-in-law Lorraine Bue of Lowell; a brother-in-law George P. Gorman and his wife Darlene of Lowell; also numerous nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Carol Pelland and the brother-in-law of the late Jane Reilly and James J. " Sonny" Gorman Jr.
He will be lovingly remembered by his 14 grandchildren; Casey Villarreal and her wife Naya, Joe, John and Caroline Malarney; Greggory, Alexandra, and Victoria Milliard; Jake, Nathaniel and Meredith Kennelly; Jillian, Jessica and Raymond Milliard and Callie Milliard.