Obituary for Roland M Place Jr.
Roland ‘Jerry’ Place, 78, died June 1, 2020.
Jerry was born on July 27, 1941 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to parents Roland and Gertrude Place. He graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1959 and then went on to study at Southeastern Mass Technical Institute where he graduated with an engineering degree in 1963. Jerry went on to have a long and successful career in the Energy Industry working for New Bedford Gas Electric/NSTAR/Eversource for over 35 years.
Anyone that knew Jerry knew his passion for the outdoors. He loved skiing, hiking, kayaking, sailing and tennis. A model railroader, avid reader and a super competitive chess, darts and pool player, he was often the one bringing people together to share time, stories, jokes and cocktails. He loved music. Drum corps (serving as a part of the Whalers Senior Drum and Bugle Corps), Classical, and Phantom of the Opera.
Make no mistake, this unassuming, hardworking and self-made man gave back often. He served as a hospice volunteer for many years, a Big Brother to Josh and an ESL volunteer.
Jerry is survived by his loving partner and wife, Sheila B. Place, his children Deborah Yorke, Sandwich, MA, Richard Place – Pompano Beach, FL, Tammy Souza – Carver, MA, Scott Place – Civiolo, TX, Heather Peters – Glendale, AZ and step children, Marisa Hackett – Pittsford, NY, Maryellen Meleca, Victor, NY, and Maria Meleca, Frisco, TX. He has 11 beautiful grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jerry is predeceased by his sister, Natalie Ferree daughter Katherine Place and grandson Christopher Place.
The family looks forward to celebrating Jerry’s life when it is safe to gather.
Jerry was born on July 27, 1941 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to parents Roland and Gertrude Place. He graduated from Dartmouth High School in 1959 and then went on to study at Southeastern Mass Technical Institute where he graduated with an engineering degree in 1963. Jerry went on to have a long and successful career in the Energy Industry working for New Bedford Gas Electric/NSTAR/Eversource for over 35 years.
Anyone that knew Jerry knew his passion for the outdoors. He loved skiing, hiking, kayaking, sailing and tennis. A model railroader, avid reader and a super competitive chess, darts and pool player, he was often the one bringing people together to share time, stories, jokes and cocktails. He loved music. Drum corps (serving as a part of the Whalers Senior Drum and Bugle Corps), Classical, and Phantom of the Opera.
Make no mistake, this unassuming, hardworking and self-made man gave back often. He served as a hospice volunteer for many years, a Big Brother to Josh and an ESL volunteer.
Jerry is survived by his loving partner and wife, Sheila B. Place, his children Deborah Yorke, Sandwich, MA, Richard Place – Pompano Beach, FL, Tammy Souza – Carver, MA, Scott Place – Civiolo, TX, Heather Peters – Glendale, AZ and step children, Marisa Hackett – Pittsford, NY, Maryellen Meleca, Victor, NY, and Maria Meleca, Frisco, TX. He has 11 beautiful grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jerry is predeceased by his sister, Natalie Ferree daughter Katherine Place and grandson Christopher Place.
The family looks forward to celebrating Jerry’s life when it is safe to gather.