Rolland Bernard Lawrence Beloved Dad, Papa, and Friend

Rolland Bernard Lawrence, 93, of Winter Park, Florida, passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in Naples, Florida, with family and loved ones by his side.

Rolland was born on June 22, 1932, at Old Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C., the youngest son of the late Parren and Gertrude (Lieser) Lawrence. Following his mother's passing, he was lovingly raised by his paternal grandmother, Susie Cullison Lawrence, and his aunt, Eulalia Blanche Lawrence.

On Memorial Day weekend, May 29, 1954, Rolland married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Kopilok, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Union City, New Jersey. Their love story shaped his life, and after her passing, he longed for the day they would be reunited in heaven.

In 1951, Rolland enlisted in the Marine Corps and fought with the 1st Marine division in the Korean War. Proud to be a Marine, he carried his "Semper Fi" spirit throughout his life.

After his service, Rolland began his career with the Pepsi-Cola Corporation before joining C&P Telephone Company as a cable splicer. He quickly rose into management, serving in locations across Maryland and Washington, D.C., while also earning an associate degree from the University of Maryland. Following the breakup of the Bell System, Rolland embraced an opportunity to transfer to BellSouth in Orlando, Florida, where he settled in Winter Park. He proudly remained in the same home for over 40 years.

Never one to slow down, Rolland spent his retirement years giving back. He volunteered with Shepherd's Hope, Crown Financial Ministries, and AARP, where he helped prepare tax returns as an IRS Registered Tax Preparer. Additionally, with the guidance of his good friend Donald J. Christie, he was able to provide tax returns for employees at Walt Disney World and residents at Westminster Towers. This inspired him to launch his own business, Lawrence's Tax Service, LLC, at 78 years old, offering affordable tax services to friends, family, and neighbors.

Faith was the cornerstone of Rolland's life. For over 40 years, he was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, where he volunteered and took great pride in being part of Father Walsh's Men's Group.

Rolland will be remembered for his deep devotion to faith and family, his tireless work ethic, and his joy in life's simple pleasures—walking the track at the YMCA Wellness Center, enjoying coffee with friends at Panera or McDonald's, sampling treats at Costco, and always scouting out a senior discount.

To his family, he was everything: a proud and loving Dad, Papa, and Big Papa. His greatest joy was his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with Margaret Ann and lovingly watching over them.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Ann; their infant son, Rolland B. Lawrence, Jr.; his four brothers and their wives, William and Geraldine, James and Violet, John and Mary, and Joseph and Marjorie; and his son-in-law, Daniel Schierer.

Rolland is survived by his daughters: Mrs. Ann Schierer of Herndon, Virginia, and Mrs. Lieser Lawrence-Metzger and her husband, Mark, of Naples, Florida and his sister-in-law, Barbara Leishman of Leesburg, Georgia. He is also remembered by his grandchildren: Luke and Lauren (Ferret) Schierer, Rev. William Schierer, Rev. Nicholas Schierer, Michael Schierer, Hailey (Metzger) Nelson and her husband, Jared, and his youngest granddaughter and cherished "Partner in Crime," Regan Metzger. "Big Papa" will also be dearly missed by his great-grandchildren: Peter, Henry, Benjamin, and Isaac Schierer, and Wesley Nelson, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, September 18 from 4-6pm at the DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory at 9001 N. Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025. The Rite of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL.

Please consider donating to Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Winter Park, FL. at https://stmargaretmary.org/