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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly May 2002
ROLLAND ARCHIBALD DESSERT * '46
No. 15794 * 11 Jun 1923 - 6 Mar 2001
Died in DeLand, FL * Inurned at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Columbarium, DeLand, FL. |
ROLLY DESSERT was born and raised in El Segundo,
CA. He gained his appointment to West Point and joined the Class
of 1946 on the banks of the Hudson on 1 July 1943.
Cadet life presented no real problems for Rolly. Companymate,
Tom Huddleston, wrote: "Rolly was always a happy and friendly
guy as a cadet, not bothered by cadet life. He was active and
devout in his religion," Bob Steele wrote: "Knowing
Rolly was an experience like no other. His effusive personality,
good natured humor and eternal optimism made it a joy to call
him friend." When graduation came, Rolly pinned on the gold
bars of a second lieutenant in the Infantry.
After graduation Rolly attended the Infantry Officer's Basic
Course at Ft Benning, GA. While there he married Dorothy Brophy
on 26 October 1946. Rolly's first assignment was to Japan with
the 11th Airborne Div. When the division rotated back to Ft Campbell,
KY, Rolly returned also. He entered the Korean War with the 187th
Airborne Regiment and participated in two airborne assaults with
that unit. When Rolly returned to the States, he served on the
staff and faculty of the Infantry School at Ft Benning. Subsequent
assignments included the 82and Airborne Division at Ft Bragg,
NC and attendance at the Command and General Staff College at
Ft Leavenworth, KS.
From C&GSC, the Desserts went to Germany where Rolly served
with the 5th Infantry and then the 11th Airborne Division. He
went to Lebanon in 1958 with the 24th Airborne Brigade before
returning to Ft Bragg. In 1962, Rolly served in Vietnam with
HQ, MAAG RVN. When he returned to the States, Rolly was assigned
as Assistant PMS&T at FL Southern College. Rolly retired
from the army in 1967 and began a teaching career at the Volusia
County FL School System. He taught math and physics.
In addition to his teaching career, Rolly was very much engaged
in community activities as well as being an active member of
St Barnabas Episcopal Church. He served many years on the Vestry
and taught Bible Studies for over 25 years as well as being head
of the Lay Eucharistic Ministry. He served as President of the
local Habitat for Humanity and was an active member of Kairos,
a ministry to prison inmates.
Rolly died 6 March 2001 after a long illness. Survivors include
his wife, Dorothy; sons, Rolly, Jr. (USMA '72), Ross (USNA '71)
and Dermott; daughters Claire, Buffy and Dottie; eighteen grandchildren
and three great grandchildren.
Classmate Jiggs Gigante recalled Rolly: "He was a fine man,
an outstanding officer, a devoted husband and father and a loyal
friend. I recall fondly his delightful sense of humor, his cheerful
approach to life and his fun loving nature. I am sure he had
a strong positive influence on his students."
Rolly's son, Dermott, is an Episcopal priest. These are excerpts
from his remarks at the service for his father: "We know
that the Lord is Rolly's Shepherd. David, in the 23d Psalm, is
saying that even in the presence of death, those who follow the
Shepherd can have peace. This is the peace that Dad is experiencing
now. That is our promise today; Rolly is now a saint among the
saints in heaven, enjoying the victory in his Lord Jesus Christ."
Son, Ross, had these remarks at his father's service: I will
be talking about my memories of Dad and I would like for you
to consider: 'Wonderful memories are private treasures that years
cannot corrupt or thieves break in and steal.' When I think of
Rolly Dessert, the word devotion comes to mind. My earliest memory
is walking to Mass with Dad at Ft Benning. My last memory of
Dad is one of his faithful preparations for death. I remember
a man completely at peace with God. Rolly Dessert was indeed
a devout Christian. He lived by his faith. Dad, as we reflect
on your devotion to God, it is you that lift us all up."
Son, Rolly, Jr, delivered this eulogy for his father: "In
Dad's life, I have seen a pattern of behavior that, if it were
more prevalent, would benefit our world enormously. The behavior
that has to do with Dad's love for others. As I think about the
man I knew so well, Dad stood out among others because he lived
life according to St Paul's theology. Put simply, Dad tried to
live a life of grace. He repeatedly asserted his claim on freedom
and used it to serve others. Well, Dad's deep desire to know,
love and serve God has been fulfilled now -- fully and finally,
as God has welcomed him home. But the foundation of responsible
freedom on which he built his life will be known as his crowning
achievement - an inspiring model for the rest of our lives."
To these words of love and admiration, the Class of 1946, is
proud to add those few words that would mean so much to our classmate:
"Well Done, Rolly; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
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