ROLAND JOSEPH DESFORGES

SUDBURY — Roland Joseph Desforges, age 85, passed away in his sleep due to complications from progressive supranuclear palsy, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at his home in Sudbury.

Roland was born in Sudbury on April 18, 1940. He was the son of Leo and Yvette (Larocque) Desforges. He grew up on the family farm in Sudbury, where he received his early education in Sudbury schools. He attended Brandon High School.  Afterwards, he was a carpenter before buying, with his brother John, the family farm from his parents. After a few years of dairy farming, they sold the farm and Roland stayed on to become the farm manager for Rocky Knoll Cattle Company for 27 years. He later joined the staff at New England Woodcraft for many years. He also drove a school bus for Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union for several more years before his retirement. He liked to hunt and fish, and also took pride in caring for his property and vegetable garden.

He is survived by his wife, Jaska (Forguites) Desforges of Sudbury, whom he married in St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Forest Dale in August of 1962; three sons, Kevin Desforges of Shoreham, Brian Desforges and wife Elaine of Bridport, and Thomas Desforges and wife Mary of Pittsford; two brothers, Raymond Desforges, and Paul Desforges both of Sudbury; and one sister, Yolande Larson of Charlotte. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Bailee, Calvin, Jacob, Ava and Evan; one great-grandson, Jase; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, John and Robert Desforges; and a sister, Shirley Plouffe.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on July 7, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Help (St. Mary’s Church) in Brandon. Rev. Maurice Moreau, pastor will be the celebrant. Following the mass the family will receive friends at Brandon American Legion Post 55, for a time of remembrance.

A private graveside committal service and burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Whiting First Response ℅ Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, 74 South Main Street, Whiting, VT 05778, or to Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733.

Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon.◊