Roland H. Hughes II

WINSLOW – Roland H. Hughes II, 75, of Winslow, passed away unexpectedly on May 22, 2026.

Born in 1950 to Almira “Peggy” Languette and later raised by his stepfather Arthur, Roland was the third youngest of four children and the last surviving sibling of his family. He attended Thomas College before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force for eight years.

He was predeceased by his mother, Almira, in 2017, his stepfather, Arthur, in 1984; his brother, Terrance Hughes Sr., in 2014, his sister, Pamela Deraps, in 2006, and his brother, Herbert Hughes, in 2025. Roland also served his community as a member of the Pittsfield school board, always believing in the importance of supporting future generations and those that taught and cared for them.

During his military service, Roland was stationed in Okinawa, and then in Misawa Japan, and Clovis, N.M. In 1973, he married Verna L. Bouchard, the love of his life, in Waterville. Shortly after their marriage, the couple returned to Misawa, Japan, where they lived off base together for a year and a half before being transferred to New Mexico and later returning home to Maine. While living in Japan, Roland taught Verna how to drive a manual car on the opposite side of the road – something he jokingly said was the beginning of his gray hair.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Roland worked for over 25 years at Laverdiere’s Drug Store before becoming a business owner himself. After retirement, he worked for Dirigo Engineering before continuing his desire to help others through volunteer work with the Waterville Police Department. He was deeply involved in the Operation HOPE program, where he devoted himself to assisting those struggling with addiction and helping others find treatment, hope, and healing. Supporting others as they sought treatment, became one of his greatest missions in life. He also cared deeply for fellow veterans and members of his newly found law enforcement family, always offering support, encouragement, and friendship whenever it was needed.

While living in Unity and Burnham, he and his wife were faithful followers of the First Baptist Church in Pittsfield. After moving to Winslow, they became devoted members of the First Church of Waterville, building a life centered on family, compassion, faith, and service to others.

Roland is survived by his loving wife, Verna; his daughters Stephanie and her husband Garrett Buzzell, and Kathryn and her husband Charles Ross. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren and great-grandson, Hailee Buzzell and her fiancé Logan and their son Jaxson, Torryn Buzzell, and Madilynn Buzzell; along with many extended family members and likely a few people he unofficially adopted along the way.

He will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, stubbornness, willingness to help anyone in need, dedication to fellow veterans and law enforcement, and the deep love he had for his family. Roland never met a stranger for long, and if someone needed help, or encouragement, he was there.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Winslow Police Department, Winslow Fire and Rescue Department, Waterville Police Department, and the Waterville RCC/Dispatch Center for their compassionate guidance and support throughout this difficult time. The work they did was invaluable and appreciated by this family.

A service will be held at the First Church of Waterville on June 6, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations supporting veterans and addiction recovery in his memory.