Raymond L. Rolston

Raymond "Pop" L. Rolston, 82, passed away peacefully at home on June 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Born on December 19, 1943, Raymond lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for his family. A hardworking man with a kind heart and a gift for making friends wherever he went, he lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to those around him.

He was a proud member of Laborers Local 7 and spent many years in the construction industry. As a partner of Fahs-Rolston Paving, he built a reputation for honesty, skill and a commitment to quality workmanship that earned the respect of everyone who knew him.

Following his retirement from construction, Raymond and his wife, Doreen, became co-owners of Pop's Sugar Shack. Together they enjoyed serving their community, creating lasting friendships, and making everyone who stopped in feel like family. Raymond quickly became known as the "social butterfly" of Pop's Sugar Shack, always ready to share a story, a laugh, or strike up a conversation with anyone who walked through the door. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Bertha (Dean) Rolston; his sisters, Leatha Hoover, Ruth Hugaboom, Beverly Samuels, Gertrude Rose, and Shirley Cipolla; his brothers, George Rolston and Max Rolston; and his special friend, Richard "Dick" Root; and his beloved canine companions, Razzy and Monie, who brought him years of love and faithful companionship.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Doreen; his children, Tina (Scott) Gates, Sandra Rolston (Josh Kinch), Patricia (Jason) Wolfanger, Jeffrey Sandwick, Brandilyn Weed, and Raeleen (Nathan) Kocak; his grandchildren, Colleen (Dan Griffiths) Laskowski, John Laskowski, Rose Marie Terkowski, Cherrisse MacBlane, Marisa and Brianna Wolfanger, Jace Sandwick, Ashton, Nolan, and Keaton Weed, and Axel, Espen, and Avalina Kocak; his great-grandchildren, Lillian, Mason, and Dariel, with one more on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Wanda Donlin, Robert (Ellen Smith) Rolston, and Patricia Lasher, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

He also leaves behind a cherished "bonus son," Dusty (Stacy) Root, and their loving children, Dusty, Sierra, and Dylan Root, who held a special place in his heart.

Raymond will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, unwavering work ethic, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. He took great pride in his work, but his greatest pride was always his family.

He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, especially mowing his lawn and tending to his flower beds. His evenings weren't complete without watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. He never passed up chocolate ice cream, a rich chocolate milkshake, or Oreos before bed. Whether spending time with his family, chatting with friends and customers, or simply enjoying the comforts of home, Raymond had a way of making those around him feel welcome.

Above all, Raymond was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love, wisdom, gentle spirit, and sense of humor will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to thank everyone for the love, prayers, kindness, and support shown during this difficult time.

A special thank you to Dr. Boyd Hehn at Guthrie Pulmonology; Debra Schaffer and Dr. Ronald Harris at Broome Oncology. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Raymond "Pop" Rolston's life at Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Though he may be gone from our sight, Raymond's love, laughter, kindness, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

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