A friend departs...

My fellow Troop 2 Scouts, Scouters and Parents,

It is with great sorrow that I place this posting onto our website.

Tuesday morning while on a business trip I received the word that our Troop 2's very own Roland Rugoletti, "Papa Smurf," passed. To say that shock and sorrow followed me throughout the day is an understatement. A trip meant for a celebration of a year's work and the launch of new initiatives turned into a period of reflection and remorse.

In sitting here trying to think about what to do or say I am at first at a loss as to how to put all of things in my head and in my heart into words. I could spend much time and space here writing about Roland's many, many accomplishments, awards, citations and more within Scouting, the church, the community and the world as a whole... but I doubt Roland would want the accolades. For it is in my humble thoughts that he did not go through his life doing what he did to be recognized for it...

Instead I choose to reflect on what Roland meant to those around him and throughout his life... the Scouts throughout the years whose lives he touched, the fellow volunteers whom he inspired... including myself.

I have been a member of the Scouting fraternity throughout my life, first as a Cub Scout, then a Boy Scout, and now many years later as an adult volunteer watching as my son like many before and many to come entered the fraternity.

Then we became part of the Troop 2 family. Though it was only a handful of years, it has been an experience like no other I have seen before. A group of friends and neighbors with one thing in mind, the betterment of the boys themselves. And I know all of you out there would most likely agree, no one individual involved represented that dedication to our youth more than Roland.

Roland was a friend, confidante and inspiration to all that desired or needed it. He did not do it out of a desire for personal recognition, nor because he was instructed to... he simply felt that there was a need and he fulfilled it.

It did not matter if it was a new Scout that needed a mentor, a Scout feeling out of place that needed reassurance, an older Scout that needed guidance, or a leader that needed a sounding board, some advice or guidance as what was the best direction. He was always there... leading, giving counsel, singing us awake, making us donuts, inspiring us all.

When you needed him, 'Papa' was there providing support. After you received it and went on, he watched you soar...

To the Scouts I say this, you want to do something in memory of Roland, simply do this... SOAR

To the parents, volunteers and many leaders I say this... help them get there, just as Roland did...

Milford Daily News Obituary <<click here>>

Should you wish to acknowledge "Papa Smurf's" dedication and leadership within Troop 2 and Scouting in general in another manner, we encourage you to consider making donation to one of the two organizations specified by his and his family's wishes;

Roland F. Rugoletti fund for scouting
C/O Milford Federal Savings Bank
246 Main St.
Milford, MA 01757

St. Lawrence Fund
C/O Diaconate Office
49 Elm St.
Worcester, MA 01609

To Roland... I, we, the members of Troop 2, Thank You...

Paul Sobierajski

Troop 2 Committee Chairman / Webmaster
Troop 2 Milford, MA
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church
7 East Main Street
Milford, MA 01757
chairperson@troop2milford.org