It is with great sadness that the family of Command Sergeant Major Roland G. Marquis Jr. (U.S. Army, Retired) announces his passing. Roland, a highly decorated Special Forces veteran and longtime Hallowell businessman, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old.

Roland lived a remarkable life defined by service, to his country, his community, and, above all, his family.

Roland was born on June 1, 1934, in Gardiner, Maine, and grew up in Hallowell, a community where his roots ran deep and that remained an important part of his life for decades. He was one of five brothers born to Roland G. Marquis Sr. and Louise Marquis [Dupont].

During a distinguished military career, Roland served with U.S. Army Special Forces, including the 1st and 5th Special Forces Groups and the highly classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). His service included two tours with Detachment B-52, Project DELTA, as well as service with Command and Control Central (CCC). A Special Forces medic, Roland also participated in reconnaissance operations during the Vietnam War.

For his extraordinary courage and distinguished service, Roland received the Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for valor, three additional Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, and three Purple Hearts, along with many other awards and decorations.

But Roland’s story did not end with his military service.

After retiring from the Army, Roland returned to the community he had long called home. He spent many years behind a chair at Dom’s Barbershop in Hallowell, eventually becoming its owner before later selling the shop to his longtime coworker and friend, Patti Burnett. Over the years, Roland became a familiar face to generations of Hallowell families, giving countless haircuts and many memorable first haircuts, along the way. The barbershop was more than a business; it was a gathering place filled with conversation, stories, laughter, and friendship, and no haircut was complete without a piece of Hubba Bubba gum on the way out.

Roland was, in every sense, a jack of all trades. There seemed to be very little he couldn’t do and even less he wasn’t willing to try. He was a semi-professional poker player and enjoyed hunting, boating, snowmobiling, and cribbage, with a knack for becoming remarkably good at whatever caught his interest. Whether it required skill, strategy, patience, or a little bit of luck, Roland was always up for the challenge.

For all that Roland accomplished during his 92 years, the titles, medals, and recognition tell only part of his story. To those who loved him, he was Dad, Grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; and his children remember him as their biggest supporter. His family knew him as someone who showed up when he was needed and could always be counted on to lend a hand or share a laugh. It was in those everyday moments, and in the countless memories made together over the years, that his family knew him best.

Roland spent many years in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying his retirement, but Maine was always home. In his final days, he returned to Maine to be surrounded by family. He was especially grateful for the opportunity to spend time with his brothers and their families, to visit, reminisce, and simply be together. After a life that took him far beyond the place where he began, there was something fitting about his final days being spent back home, surrounded by those he loved.

Roland was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Duane Marquis; his beloved wife of 35 years, Leah Marquis; and his partner, Patricia “Pat” DeLucas.

He is survived by his eight children, Scott, Kelli, David, Kimberly, Robert, Michelle, Gregory, and Jason, and their families; his three brothers, Keith , Lynn, and Shawn and their spouses; and a large and loving extended family, including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Roland leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of courage, service, hard work, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family. His military accomplishments tell the story of an exceptional soldier, but to those fortunate enough to know and love him, his greatest legacy is found in the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the family he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Roland’s memory to the Travis Mills Foundation. A celebration of Roland’s life will be held for family and close friends, with details to be announced at a later date.