Christopher B. Roland, 30, of Middletown, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and amazing friends after a courageous battle with Huntington’s disease. Born and raised on Staten Island, he had been a resident of Middletown since 2004.
He graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School and attended Brookdale Community College, majoring in criminal justice and fire science. He became a Middletown Fire Explorer upon moving to the township. In 2006 he graduated from Monmouth County Fire Academy and became a volunteer firefighter at Station 11, Old Village Fire Company. He would go on to become a member of Station 5 in East Keansburg as well. Chris also proudly volunteered with Middletown First Aid Squad. In 2015 he was sworn in as an honorary member of the Fire Department of New York, Engine 160, Staten Island.
An avid sports fan, he cheered for the New Jersey Devils, New York Mets and the New York Jets. He enjoyed country music and anything fire department related. Chris was an only child but was part of the brotherhood of firefighters, both in Middletown (stations 11 and 5) and the FDNY (Engine 160/Rescue 5).
Christopher was predeceased by his father Bernard Roland, grandfather Guy Di Pietro and grandmother Mary Roland. He is survived by his loving mother Jeannine Roland (neé Di Pietro) of Middletown; his grandmother Caroline Di Pietro of Toms River; his aunts and uncles, Jim Di Pietro (Monica) of Trumbull, Connecticut, Donna Martini of Middletown, Lisa Borghese (Mike) of Middletown, Susan Nietzel of Staten Island, Will Roland (Tina) of Staten Island, and George Roland (Tammy) of Staten Island; cousins, Briana Manciero (Nick), Alana Di Pietro (Mike), Audrey Riso (Troy), Joseph Clark, Michelle and Christina Borghese, William Roland (Emily), JoAnn, Victoria, and George Roland; as well as numerous friends whose lives he touched and inspired.
Visitation was Sept. 28 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. Funeral services were held Sept. 29 at the funeral home. A Funeral Liturgy was offered at St. Catherine’s R. C. Church, Middletown. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Old Village Fire Company Inc., P.O. Box 111, Middletown, NJ 07748-0111.
