Roland William Banscher

Roland William Banscher
9/29/2026 - 1/30/2026
Roland was born in Camden, New Jersey on August 29, 1939, to Horace and Theresa Banscher. He was the oldest child of 5 with 3 brothers: Robert, Joseph, Mike and sister Mary. He grew up in Camden, NJ and attended Rutgers University where he received his bachelor's degree.
Roland later received his PhD in Public Administration in 1980 and then found his way to Annapolis. He managed Riordan's famous Saloon back in the1980's where he met and fell in love with Lois. They married in July 1982. Shortly after, with encouragement from his beautiful bride, he began his career at the Smithsonian Institution as a Concessions Manager for all the Museums. He enjoyed being part of history in the making. After 22 years, he retired in 2006, after his final project, the National Museum of American Indian.
Roland was a long-time member of St. Mary's Church of Annapolis and the St. John Neumann Mission Church. He was involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Winter Relief program and various other ministries.
Roland joined the Knights of Columbus 45 years ago, venturing into numerous projects. He volunteered at Friday night bingo with among others Papa John's Pizza maker, Steve Ryan. You could find Roland taking tickets or cooking food at any of the events such as Carnivals and monthly Socials. He also helped with the Tootsie Roll campaign and the KOC Transition Team to Atreeum Hall.
Roland's volunteering sent him with the Annapolis Habitat for Humanity helping build houses locally and afar where he got to meet President Carter. He also volunteered with the Hospice of the Chesapeake, (hospital and home visits), Annapolis Homeless Shelter (greeter) and SCORE (Senior Core of Retired Executives).
At home, Roland was the foodie guy -- cooking and entertaining on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl, and every night for his wife. He loved to entertain with friends and family while watching his favorites, The Washington Redskins, Baltimore Orioles and Notre Dame's The fighting Irish (it's a Catholic thing).
Roland passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. He is survived by his wife Lois of 44 years, sister Mary Goldy of Denver, CO; nephew Joshua Banscher (Sirina) Aidan and Aliyah of Stafford, VA, his "adopted" son Tim (Mary Beth) Mackenzie and David Johnson and many extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Horace and Theresa, brothers Robert, Joseph and Mike and nephew John Banscher. Being from the "Jersey shore" he always said "fishing was a perfect day at any beach!"
Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary's svdpannapolis.com