Roland G. Tiracorda, 101, of State College, died Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Juniper Village at Brookline.

Born February 6, 1916 in Madera, PA he was a son of the late Gaetano Tiracorda and Maria "Mary" Scarano Tiracorda Amato.

He married Constance "Connie" J. Grasso on October 25, 1945, who preceded him in death on May 14, 2009.

Roland served with the Flying Tigers of the Army Air Corps during WWII in North Africa, Italy, and China.

Following in his father's footsteps, he began his career in masonry construction. His most notable accomplishments include Penn State's Eisenhower Chapel and Ritenour Health Center. Later as a general contractor he specialized in flood control with projects at Presque Isle State Park, Raystown Lake, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Moshannon Creek in Philipsburg and the Janesville Dam.

Roland was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College and a former parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church in Madera and Christ the King Parish of Houtzdale. Other memberships included the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, Knights of Columbus and the Madera Volunteer Fire Company. Always civic minded, he never hesitated to help his community or anyone in need.

He is survived by six children, Guy Tiracorda of Philipsburg, Marie Vassey of Mechanicsburg, Angela Kauffman and her husband John of Gainesville, VA, Natalie Beede and her husband David of Port Matilda, Jan McKenna and her husband William of State College, and Jill Tiracorda of Thornton; seven grandchildren, Aaron Tiracorda and his wife Amy, Nicole Vassey-Watson and her husband Tom, Laura Piro and her husband Greg, Daniel Vassey, Joshua Kauffman and his wife Laura Sirkovsky Kauffman, and David and Andrew McKenna; eight great grandchildren, Zachary, Isaac, and Jacob Tiracorda, Chase, Pierce and Ryder Watson, and Samantha and Luke Piro.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his siblings, Salvatore Tiracorda, Dominica "Minnie" Cirillo, Molly Denzler, Benedetto Tiracorda and Adelyne Thomas; a son-in-law, William C. Vassey; two nieces, Dolores Hubler and Marie Sturniolio; and a nephew, Joseph Cirillo, Jr.

Roland was a generous, kind, and fun loving person who found much pleasure in spending time with family and friends. He loved telling stories of the many adventures he experienced throughout his century long life.

Family and friends will be received from 6-8 PM, Thursday, September 21, 2017 and from 10 AM until noon, Friday, September 22 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College. The funeral will follow immediately at noon at the funeral home. A service of committal and entombment will follow at Centre County Memorial Park, State College.