Jerry O. Roland, marketing director for SPI Polyols, Inc. in New Castle, Del., died on March 3 at home, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 47. A 1976 graduate of Phoenix (N.Y.) High School, Roland later graduated from Morrisville College in upstate New York and earned a master’s degree in food science from the University of Georgia. Roland worked his entire career in the food industry, holding positions at Kraft Foods, Coca Cola, Pfizer/Cultor/Danisco, Omega Tech and finally SPI Polyols. He was a member of the Institute of Food Technologists. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jill, and two children: Taylor Paige, 12, and Christopher James, 10. Donations can be made to Jerry O. Roland Memorial College Fund c/o SPI Polyols, Inc., 321 Cherry Ln., New Castle, DE, 19720.

Robert A. Fischer, former president of the American Society of Baking (ASB) and the American Society of Bakery Engineers (ASBE), died on Feb. 22 at the age of 77. In 1970, Fischer assumed management responsibilities as ASBE’s secretary. In 1982, he became president of the society and remained so until his retirement in 1995. Many in the industry will remember him for his kindness and generosity and his love of the opera. ASB has honored Fischer with an award in his name. That award goes to the long-standing member who embodies Fischer’s dedication and value to the society and the industry as a whole.