Roland H. Bjelf, 92

GILFORD — Roland H. Bjelf, 92, died peacefully at his home Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

Born in Dedham, Massachusetts, Roland was one of three sons of Oscar and Helen (Johnson) Bjelf. He grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts and graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1948, then went on to join the U.S. Coast Guard. He later went to work for New England Telephone.

Roland relocated to New Hampshire in 1978, later retiring from the phone company in 1987. Although, he wasn’t one to keep still — he went on to become a bus driver and postman. He also spent time hunting and fishing, took up ham radio operations and enjoyed watching old Westerns.

Roland was a former member of the Quincy Congregational Church. He joined Orient Lodge No. 195 AF & AM in 1959, affiliated with Rural Lodge No. 0 in 1970 and after moving to New Hampshire he took dual membership with Meridian Lodge No. 60 of Franklin, he was also a member of Saint Steven’s Royal Arch Chapter in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Family members include two sons: David Bjelf of North Carolina and Richard Bjelf of Belmont; daughter Andrea Miles of Gilford; grandchildren: Bridget, Ashley, Kevin, Bobby, Eric, Kyle, Shyanne, Andrew, Dillon, Danielle, Megan, Melissa; great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Ashlyn, Jarod, Kailyn, Bianca, Lily, Michael, Addison, Isabella, Karsyn, Kollins, Cannon, AJ, Jacob, Natalie; a brother, Raymond Bjelf of Marshfield, Massachusetts. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Ebon (Nordstrom) Bjelf, brother Robert Bjelf, grandson Brian Brown and great-granddaughter Madeline Kukler.

There are no calling hours. Masonic and Military Honors will be conducted at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, on Wednesday, June 5, at 3 p.m.. There will be a celebration of life at the Miles residence, 36 Liberty Hill Road, Gilford, following the ceremony.

For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to Hero Pups, 20 Portsmouth Ave, No. 127, Stratham, NH 03885.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.