Roland D. “Rollie” Snook, a resident of Malden, and formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at age 93.

Roland was born in Everett on March 22, 1933, the eldest of two sons of the late Roland Snook and Dorothy M. (Thistle) Snook. After graduating from Everett High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Roland proudly served for four years, including three years at Sembach Air Force Base in Germany where contributed as the column writer for the base newspaper. He was honorably discharged in June of 1956, and settled in Melrose with his first wife, Joanne Stevenson, to raise a family of three children.

Rollie was a hard worker from an early age and took great pride in doing things the right way. He began his career as a photographer for Hospital Picture Service before becoming a supervisor for Berkey Film Processing. Later, Rollie’s honest nature and humble determination led him to a successful career in advertising sales for construction publications. With a smile and determination, Rollie worked until age 78, retiring so that he could devote more time to the people and things he loved most.

Rollie’s life was marked by respect for all, kindness in everything he did, and passion for what he loved most. He prioritized his faith, his love for learning, and a steadfast dedication to family. In his youth, he was a member of Glendale Methodist Church in Everett, and after moving to Melrose raised his family at the First United Methodist Church where he shared his time and knowledge to support the church, sang in the Choir, served numerous boards, men’s fellowship groups and established the TV ministry to extend the Church’s reach into the community. A man of deep faith, he read the bible daily, and thoughtfully shared his knowledge by leading the Bible Study for the Men’s Fellowship Group at the Melrose Nazarene Church. Rollie was an avid reader throughout his life, always eager to learn and understand more about the subjects that interested him most, particularly medicine, politics, and religion.

Rollie was blessed with his marriage to Helen Buote in 1995. For 31 years, they shared a marriage built on love, mutual admiration, and a deep respect for one another. They embraced each other’s families, supported one another through life’s joys and challenges, and, perhaps most importantly, never lost their ability to smile and laugh together. Their life together was a true partnership, filled with companionship, kindness, and love.

Quiet, reliable, and humble, Rollie was the understated rock of his family. He never needed recognition for what he did for others and never uttered a bad word to say about anyone. His kindness was genuine and consistent, expressed in the many quiet ways he supported his family, friends, and fellow church members. Yet beneath his steady nature was a wonderful sense of humor. He had a particular gift for a quick one-liner, often finding the humor in an ordinary moment and bringing a smile to those around him.

Outside of following his passions, he also enjoyed time spent seeing New England, especially train rides in North Conway, visiting the Berkshires with Helen, or special trips to California and Disney World. He also enthusiastically cheered on the New England Patriots.

Rollie leaves behind a legacy measured not in recognition or accomplishment, but in the lives he touched through countless small acts of kindness, thoughtful conversations, steady support, and genuine love. He made the world a little better simply by being in it, and those who were fortunate enough to know him will carry his example in their hearts and mind forever. May he rest in the peace he so faithfully believed in and so richly deserved.

Rollie was the beloved husband of Helen M. (Buote) Palmieri Snook with whom he shared 31 years of marriage and former husband of the late Joanne (Stevenson) Snook with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Devoted father of Tim Snook and his wife Dotty of Manchester, NH, Dave Snook and his wife Karen of Eliot, ME, and Jennifer Ganas and her husband Bob of Hudson, NH. Dear brother of Roger Snook and his wife Joanne of Saugus. Cherished grandfather of Amanda, Cassandra, Zachary, Heather, Brandon, Olivia, Richard, and Alex. Loving great-grandfather of Coleman, Indira, Adler, Lucy, Johanna, Maxwell, Aubrey, Austin, and the late Emerson, Elliot, and Ella. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in remembrance of Rollie during Visiting Hours at the First United Methodist Church, 645 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 10-11am, followed by his Funeral Service at 11am. Interment with US Air Force honors at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.