| Obituary | Rolland Van Blaricom, 81, passed away peacefully while at home in the early hours of May 8, 2021 after living with Alzheimer's for 12 years. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Rolland was born October 19, 1939 in Bartlesville, OK to Clifford and Marie Van Blaricom. He was always proud to be an "Okie".
He and his family moved to Benicia in 1948. He was a graduate of Benicia High School class of 1957 where he excelled in baseball and football. On his 17th birthday, October 19,1956, Rolland scored six touchdowns, a Benicia High School record that still stands today.Rolland married Sharon Harty on September 25, 1960. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They have four children, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Rolland retired in 1994 after 35 years as a sheet metal worker. He was a member of the Union Local 104, Native Sons of the Golden West, and St Dominic's Church.Rolland loved the game of baseball. He played semipro in Benicia and Vallejo well into his 30s. His involvement in coaching Benicia youth baseball leagues was one of his greatest joys in life. His coaching career, which stretched nearly 40 years, impacted countless young men in Benicia, including his sons and grandsons.Retirement for Rolland was spent seeing the country in their RV, taking the occasional cruise, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. He also enjoyed playing golf and rooting for his favorite baseball team, the Oakland A's.
Rolland leaves behind his wife, Sharon; his two sons, Mike and Mark (Julie); two daughters, Laurie Ferraiolo and Kerri Maher (Matt); sister, Sharon Kay Fischer; sister-in-law, Cathy Harty; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Scooter. He was preceded in death by both his parents and two brothers-in-law, Robert Fischer and Gary Harty. Rolland was a loving husband, a caring father and a loyal friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 West 2nd St., Benicia.Due to Solano County COVID restrictions, funeral services will be private. Please join the following live stream: Vigil Service: Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 7 p.m. at St. Dominic's Church. and Funeral Mass: Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 11 a.m. at St. Dominic's Church with Fr. Carl celebrating and Annabelle Marie providing music. Burial follows immediately at St. Dominic's Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, Benicia (707) 745-3130.Times Herald Online, May 11 to May 12, 2021 |
