Roland H. Lapointe, Jr., age 78, died in his sleep on April 21 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Louise (Cormier) Lapointe, of Hopedale; a son, Jon H. Lapointe, and his wife, Emily Hopkins, of Pasadena, CA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A daughter, Amy M. (Lapointe) Toomey, pre-deceased him in 2006.

Roland was born in Worcester, the only child of Roland H. Lapointe, Sr. (d. 1975) and Alice M. (Dubois-Capistran) Lapointe Berry (d. 1995). His stepfather, Albert J. Berry, died in 1987.

Roland lived in Grafton, Upton, Uxbridge, and Hopedale, MA. He was a graduate of Holy Name High School and Assumption College in Worcester. He completed his graduate studies at Worcester State University and Framingham State University.

Mr. Lapointe was an English and French teacher at Northbridge High School for 37 years. Following his retirement, he worked as a curriculum consultant for the Northbridge Public Schools and as a substitute teacher at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton.

While at Northbridge, Roland served as the class advisor to six graduating classes, as the school newspaper advisor for 12 years, and as chair of the English department for 15 years. In the 1970s, he also served as Cubmaster for Pack 132 in Upton. He was an avid gardener, family historian, and amateur genealogist.

Following cremation, his remains will be buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Upton. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to support research and patient care. Donations can be made online or by check (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284).