ENFIELD, NH — Gordon John Rollman, 98, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2019 at home with his wife of 70 years by his side. He was born May 3, 1921 in Burlington, VT to Gladys Agnes (Carpentier) and John Hamel Rollman. Gordon moved to Washington, D.C. with his family when he was 5 years old and graduated from Eastern High School in 1940. After graduation Gordon was persistent in pursuing a position, and was hired on as a cable splicer with the phone company. After a few years he left to serve his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon the completion of his term he returned to his work and met Betty Marie Benesch at the Social Club at St. Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill. The couple were married May 21, 1949 and started their family in Forest Heights, MD. Gordon retired as a Telephone Installer after almost 40 years at Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone and moved back to his beloved New England in December of 1978.
Gordon loved gardening. He truly had a green thumb. He truly loved animals, wild and domestic and took a great interest in The Environment. Not only did he plant trees, raise a cow, pigs, chickens, and rabbits at home, and during the summers of his youth helped his Aunt and Uncle on their farm in Hinesburg, VT. Gordon also contributed generously to the World Wildlife Fund, the Nature Conservancy, and other organizations.
Gordon’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and picnicking. He was a wonderful cook and always made the best pumpkin and key lime pies for his family. Gordon even enjoyed washing the dishes! He enjoyed doing the puzzles in the Valley News, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, collecting clocks, paintings, and art, and working on the house. Throughout his life Gordon was passionate about exercising be it barbells, dumbbells, pushups, or time on his NordicTrack. He was a devout Catholic and loyal parishioner of St. Helena’s Catholic Church in Enfield, N.H.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Joseph and wife Nida Rollman of Las Vegas, NV, Kevin and wife Patricia Rollman of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Linda Kelley and domestic partner, Wesley Cooper of Plymouth, N.H. Five grandchildren, Ian and wife Jessica Danner, Cory and wife Katie Danner, Travis Rollman, Mollie McLean, and Jason and wife Suzanne Rollman; and nine great-grandchildren, Colby and Alexander, Finnegan and Roseanna Danner, Liam Gordon Danner, Christian, Adrianna, Shaelin Rollman and Lincon Mclean.
Friends and family are invited to Calling Hours at Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon, N.H. Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 5-7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Helena’s Catholic Church in Enfield, N.H. Friday, July 26, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. A Committal Service will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.
To leave a message of condolence for Gordon’s family please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.