Roland E. Newkirk, Sr.

Roland E. Newkirk Sr., age 101, of Middletown, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 24, 1924, in Lanham, Maryland, to Bessie and Harold Newkirk, Roland lived a long, full life marked by devotion, service, and simple joys.

A proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Roland was drafted in 1942 and served in England. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Hawes, beginning a 73-year marriage filled with unwavering partnership, laughter, and the raising of five children. He was very proud of his five-generation family – their home was always full — of family, of stories, and of the warmth Roland so naturally brought to others.

Roland is survived by his sister, Gladys Ogden of Dares Beach, MD; daughters Patricia Stack and Nancy Nolan (Thomas); son Randy Newkirk (Debra); 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he touched. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Newkirk; sons Roland Newkirk II and Richard Newkirk; his brother Robert Newkirk; and his sister Ellen Marie McCauley.

A skilled auto mechanic and body shop foreman for Chevrolet, Roland spent his career doing work he loved and took pride in. Outside the shop, he found joy in the outdoors — fishing, crabbing, boating, hunting, and volunteering in both his Golden Beach community during his 60s through 80s, and in Lakeland, Florida in his 90s. After a brief time in Maryland, Roland settled into life in Middletown, Delaware, where he became a beloved neighbor in Spring Arbor. One of his daily delights was greeting neighbors and offering treats to their dogs, a ritual that brought him genuine happiness.

Even into his nineties, Roland’s hands stayed busy and his mind stayed sharp. At the age of 95, during the quiet days of the COVID pandemic, he carved replicas of four crab boats and his former home on the Patuxent River from balsa wood — a testament to his creativity and patience.

Roland often said his goal was to live to 100, and he did just that. He spoke with gratitude about the family and friends who gathered to celebrate his milestone birthday in 2024, calling himself “lucky” for the love that surrounded him. His cheerful spirit, bright smile, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held in the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland, at a later date this spring, where his family will be present and welcome all who wish to honor his memory.