Michael "Mike" Rolnick, Bangor Businessman and Devoted Community Member, Dies at 90

Michael "Mike" Rolnick, whose remarkable life spanned sailing, entrepreneurship, military service and a deep devotion to his Bangor community, died on June 24, 2026, at his home in Portland. He was 90.

Born in Bangor on April 28, 1936, to Louis and Betty Rolnick, Rolnick spent nearly his entire life in the city that shaped him. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1954 and went on to earn a degree in marine engineering from Maine Maritime Academy in 1957.

After completing his education, Rolnick sailed as an engineer in the Merchant Marine, including time aboard a passenger ship and a cargo vessel transporting bananas from Central America to East Coast ports. 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 Navy ships specialized in cable-laying and undersea communications repair. He later remained active in the Naval Reserve in Bangor.

In July 1961, he married Louise Sneidman. The couple settled in Bangor, where they raised three children — Amy, Jody and Matthew — and lived for more than six decades.

Rolnick built a varied career that reflected his wide-ranging interests and entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside his brother Jerry Rolnick, he founded Rolnick Equipment Co., an International Harvester dealership that served Maine's farming community for more than 25 years. When Jerry relocated to New York, Ben Gopin joined Michael as a business partner in Gopin and Rolnick Equipment Company. After closing that business in 1984, Rolnick went on to found Bangor Canvas and later Mainely Titles. He also worked as a substitute teacher in the Bangor School system for many years and spent more than two decades with the U.S. Census Bureau.

Those who knew him often remarked on his remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether speaking with family, farmers, veterans, customers, neighbors or complete strangers, Rolnick was always ready to engage in conversation, share a story or offer an opinion. A natural salesman and storyteller, he relished both good conversation and the occasional spirited argument.

Many neighbors came to know Rolnick from his deck or yard, where he would keep an eye on the street and stop to chat with anyone who passed by. One longtime neighbor joked that after Rolnick moved to Portland in 2024, he had "lost his supervisor."

A longtime member of the American Legion, Rolnick devoted countless hours to genealogical research, preserving family histories and helping others trace their roots. He was also a passionate fan of the University of Maine men's Black Bear Hockey team.

Rolnick 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 cares for the deceased according to Jewish tradition. His extensive knowledge of the cemetery's records and layout made him a trusted resource for those seeking to determine burial locations, coordinate with funeral homes and find comfort during difficult times. His stewardship helped preserve both the history of the cemetery and the traditions of the community.

Sailing was a lifelong passion. When his children were young, Rolnick singlehandedly built a catamaran — including sewing the sails — in the basement of the family home in Bangor. He later purchased a 1965 Morgan sailboat and spent 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. Rolnick spent many years sailing Maine waters and, whenever given the chance, taught others to sail. One of his favorite sayings, printed on the back of his business card, read: "It is better to be lost at sea than found at work."

In July 2024, after nearly a lifetime in Bangor, Rolnick moved to Portland to be closer to family.

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

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

The family has expressed gratitude to Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, D and C Homecare, and the Chevra Kadisha of Portland for the kindness, compassion and support they provided to Rolnick and his loved ones.

A funeral service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Jewish Funeral Chapel, 118 Center Street, Bangor.

The family is holding Shiva to honor Rolnick's life and memory, and welcomes friends and community members to visit during the following times and locations:

• Friday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 52 Fountain St., Bangor, ME 04401
• Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 640 Ocean Ave., Apt 103, Portland, ME 04103

Condolences may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

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