Roland Tougas

Roland Joseph Tougas, 78, of Milton, passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2025. He was born on April 7, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Lucien and Juliette (Marson) Tougas.

As a teenager, Roland moved with his parents to Brownington Center in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where the family ran the town’s country store. It was there that he met the love of his life, Gail Marsh. They were neighbors, and in 1967, they married and began a life filled with love, music, hard work, and family.

They welcomed two sons, Joseph and Luke, while living in Brownington Center. During this time, he and Gail took over the family store for five memorable years. After selling the store, they stayed in Brownington Center for several more years before relocating to Milton, where they put down permanent roots and raised their boys.

Roland lived his life anchored by three unwavering pillars: family, music, and his work as a master electrician. He founded and operated Tougas Electric, a successful one-man contracting business built on exceptional skill, integrity, and customer care. Whether a project was big or small, Roland approached every job with pride and precision.

When he wasn’t working, Roland was immersed in music. He played in several local bands over the years, including Pentagon, Gold Rush, and Jimmy T and the Cobras. He played at venues throughout New England, sharing his talent and joy for music with enthusiastic audiences.

Despite his many accomplishments, Roland’s greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loyal friend. He remained closely connected with family in Quebec and Connecticut, and visited as often as he could. In his later years, he helped build a family cabin in Newark, Vermont, which he outfitted with off-grid solar power, a testament to his lifelong love of learning and doing things right.

Roland is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Tougas; his sons, Luke (Shagun) Tougas and Joe Tougas; his sister, Diane Kearns; his niece, Michelle (Bill) Mang; his nephew, Robert Johnson; and many cherished extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lucien and Juliette Tougas.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Jeff Vos and his wife Angel, and Jim Choiniere and his wife Fran, Roland’s best friends of many years, as well as to their kind neighbors in Milton who offered help throughout the years.

A private celebration of life will be held at a time to-be-determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Roland’s name to:

Sons of the American Legion, Post #23

c/o David Bolduc

26 East Street

Orleans, VT 05860