Roland H. "Peter" Vaillancourt

LOWELL - Roland H. "Peter" Vaillancourt, Jr., age 79, a resident of Lowell and former resident of Acton and Plum Island passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Blaire House of Tewksbury. He was the beloved husband of the late Katherine Mae (Messier) Vaillancourt, to whom he was married for 52 years until her passing on January 24, 2019.

Peter was born in Lowell on February 16, 1941, and was the son of the late Roland H. "Pete" and Gertrude E. (Watson) Vaillancourt. He received his early education in Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School. Following high school Peter enlisted in the Air Force and served his country during the Bay of Pigs conflict. As an ambulance driver in the Air Force he discovered his passion for caring for others in acute situations. After honorable discharge from the Air Force Peter attended Nursing school at St. Luke's School of Nursing in New Bedford, and Anesthesia school at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Peter spent most of his career at Emerson Hospital in Concord. He then went on to work in that same capacity at Lahey Clinic in Burlington and finally at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

Peter and his wife Katherine were also successful entrepreneurs, owning several businesses including Vaillancourt's Catering and Sweet Molly's Ice Cream in Acton. These endeavors provided another way for Peter to serve others and share his talents in creating fine cuisine.

Peter will be remembered as an avid and gifted gardener, with a unrivaled raspberry crop every summer. He was a talented musician, playing the piano, organ, and guitar. Peter enjoyed fly fishing, and playing golf. Peter never stopped moving and learning, trying his hand at new hobbies, including carpentry, and building an amazing playhouse for his grandchildren.

Peter will be remembered for his love of his family and his country, his great sense of humor, and his willingness to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his son, Peter Vaillancourt and his wife Karen of Acton; his two daughters, Hilary OMalley of West Barnstable and Molly Lyttle and her husband Keith of Tyngsboro; seven grandchildren, Sadie, Kimbal, Matty, Lindsey, Ryan, Maeve, and Aren; two nephews, Ronald St. Onge of MA and Robert Hatch of NH; and a niece, Jill Pakus of ME. He was also the brother of the late Carole Hatch.
Peter's family would like to thank the Blaire House of Tewksbury for their extraordinary care and compassion of all who enter their doors.

It being the family's wish, there will be no visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Peter's Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, October 24th at 11:00 am at Holy Family Parish (formerly St. Bernard Church), 12 Monument Sq. in Concord. Due to Covid-19, face masks and social distancing are required at church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in Pete's memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.