Michael Rolnick

Michael Rolnick

Michael "Mike" Rolnick, a lifelong Bangor resident known for his gift of storytelling, love of sailing and seemingly endless curiosity about history and how things worked, passed on June 24, 2026, at the age of 90 at home in Portland.

Born on April 28, 1936, in Bangor, Maine, to Louis and Betty Rolnick, Michael spent nearly his entire life in the city he called home. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1954, and from Maine Maritime Academy in 1957, with a degree in marine engineering.

Following graduation, Michael sailed as an engineer in the Merchant Marine, including aboard a passenger ship and a cargo ship transporting bananas from Central America to ports along the East Coast. He also served in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. For two years, he served as chief engineer aboard the USS Thor, one of only two of the Navy's specialized cable-laying and repair ships responsible for maintaining undersea communications systems. He later was active in the Naval Reserve in Bangor.

In July 1961, he married Louise Sneidman. They made their home in Bangor, where they raised three children - Amy, Jody and Matthew - and lived for more than six decades.

Throughout his working life, Michael was involved in several Bangor-based businesses. With his brother Jerry Rolnick, Michael opened Rolnick Equipment Co., an International Harvester dealership serving Maine's farming community for more than 25 years. When Jerry left Bangor for New York, Ben Gopin joined Michael as business partner in Gopin and Rolnick Equipment Company. After closing the business in 1984, he founded Bangor Canvas and later Mainely Titles. He was a substitute teacher in the Bangor School system for many years and also worked for over two decades with the U.S. Census Bureau.

Michael could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and those who knew him would agree that he rarely lacked an opinion. Whether talking with family, farmers, veterans, customers, neighbors or complete strangers, he was always ready to engage in a discussion, tell a story or share an observation. A natural salesman and storyteller, he relished a good conversation and the occasional spirited argument.

Many people remember him sitting on his deck or in his yard, keeping an eye on the neighborhood and stopping to chat with whoever happened to pass by. One longtime neighbor joked that after Michael moved to Portland in 2024, he had "lost his supervisor."

Michael was a longtime member of the American Legion and devoted countless hours to genealogical research, preserving family histories and helping others better understand their roots and connections to the past. He especially enjoyed cheering on the University of Maine men's Black Bear Hockey team.

Michael also dedicated many years of service to Bangor's Jewish community through his work with the Bangor Jewish Cemetery and the local Chevra Kadisha, the volunteer organization that assists families and helps care for the deceased according to Jewish tradition. He maintained extensive knowledge of the cemetery's records and layout and was often called upon to help determine burial locations, coordinate with funeral homes and assist families during difficult times. His stewardship helped preserve both the history of the cemetery and the traditions of the community.

Sailing was a great passion throughout his life. When his kids were young, he singlehandedly built a catamaran - including sewing the sails - in the basement of the family home in Bangor. Later, he bought a 1965 Morgan sailboat, spending several years restoring it with the help of friends. The boat, christened Happy Face, was named in memory of his grandson, Ezra, who died in 2001. Michael spent many years plying Maine waters and, whenever anyone would let him, teaching others to sail. One of Michael's favorite sayings appeared on the back of his business card: "It is better to be lost at sea than found at work."

After spending nearly his entire life in Bangor, Michael moved to Portland in July 2024 to be closer to family.

Michael was predeceased by his brother, Gerald "Jerry" Rolnick, and by his beloved grandchildren, Ezra Barak Finberg and Jackson "Jax" Rose.

He is survived by his loving family including his wife, Louise Rolnick; children, Amy Rolnick (John Williamson), Jody Rolnick (Christian Wihtol), and Matthew Rolnick (James Light); grandchildren, Noah Finberg, Gabriel Wihtol and Forest Rolnick Wihtol; sister, Barbara Podolsky; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, neighbors and fellow sailors.

The family wishes to thank Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, D and C Homecare and the Chevra Kadisha of Portland, ME for the kindness, compassion and support they provided to Michael and the family.

 A funeral service will held 2:30 pm Thursday at the Jewish Funeral Chapel, 118 Center Street, Bangor. To join the service via livestream, please visit https://my.forever.link/register/brookings-smith/michael-rolnick.

The Rolnick Family is holding Shiva to honor the life and memory of Michael Rolnick.

The family welcomes friends and community members to visit and comfort the mourners during the following specific hours and places:

● Thursday, June 25th, following the funeral service until 7:30pm at 52 Fountain St, Bangor, ME 04401

● Friday, June 26th 10:00am to 6:00pm at 52 Fountain St., Bangor, ME 04401

● Sunday, June 28th, 3:00 pm to 7:00pm at 640 Ocean Ave, Apt 103, Portland, ME 04103

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Legion Post 12, PO Box 327, Bangor ME 04402-0327, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.