Roland T. Cotton, 90, formerly of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2017 at Rivercrest in Concord, Mass. Mr. Cotton was the husband of the late Frances J. (Donovan) Cotton.
Born in Haverhill on June 22, 1926, he was the son of the late Percy and Florence J. (Grater) Cotton.
Mr. Cotton graduated from Haverhill Trade School, Class of 1944, and continued his education graduating from Fitchburg State College. He served as a member of the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War, and was Honorably discharged in 1952 with the rating of Shipfitter Second Class. Mr. Cotton spent 28 years in vocational education, retiring from the Greater Lawrence Technical School as Assistant Director.
He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Bradford, Past President of the Lawrence Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. In his leisure time, Mr. Cotton enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling with his wife Fran.
Mr. Cotton is survived by his children, Thomas W. Cotton and his wife Rhonda of Harvard, Mass., David R. Cotton and his wife Karen of Manalapan, N.J., Jane F. Robbertz and her husband Anthony of Acton; seven grandchildren; one great grandson; sister, Marjorie Cotton of Haverhill; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Donald Cotton and Doris Boyd.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Calling hours Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Interment, with full military honors, at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to GLTS Scholarship Fund, and mailed to GLTS, 57 River Road, Andover, MA 01810. Please note "In memory of Roland Cotton” on the check. Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com.