Pastor Joel Roland

Rev. Joel E. Roland, 67, of Falls Creek, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Shadyside hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.  

He was born Jan. 25, 1958, in Allegheny County, a son of the late Joseph W. Roland and Virginia Mae (Flick) Roland Gilbert.

He lived his life for Jesus and truly was the greatest friend, brother, pastor, and husband to his wife, Carole. Joel was a singer, pastor, evangelist, and missionary in the USA, Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. He knew the Bible, ministered healing miracles, and served the Lord for more than 40 years. He also worked on the railroad and in public broadcasting, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and having a good laugh. As the Pastor of Smithtown Community Church in Falls Creek, PA, for the last 4 years, you would see him traveling any distance to visit others in nursing homes, hospitals, and serve wherever God called him.

Joel was known to feed, clothe, and buy gifts for children every Christmas, along with sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, leading 1000’s to Christ. Truly was a kind, fun, loving, and self-sacrificing giver. He was loved by so many; he will be remembered as everyone’s great friend and committed man of God.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his siblings, Charlene (Ronald) Glover, Jacob (Diane) Roland, and Diana Grady; numerous nieces and nephews; and grand-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Jesse Roland, Cheryl Rhoads, and Jonette Roland.

Friends will be received from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday Aug. 30, 2025 at the Smithtown Community Church, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Gary Bailey officiating.

Interment will be in the Ford City Cemetery in Ford Cliff, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joel’s memory to Smithtown Community Church, 3415 Smithtown Road, Falls Creek, PA 15840 .

Friends and family may order flowers, leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com.    

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