David Charles Roland

David Charles Roland, age 90, transitioned to heaven on January 23, 2026 in his home peacefully surrounded by friends and family. He was born on November 11, 1935 to the late Pastor William N. Roland and Dorothy M. Roland.

David was raised in Newark, New Jersey. He graduated from Central High School in Newark in 1953. Upon graduation he entered the United States Air Force in 1954 until 1956. After realizing that during that time and era it would be more vital to go back into the Armed Forces. During his tenure in the military, he traveled the world three times and spent a great deal of time in the orient. While serving in Tokyo, Japan he married Kimiko Nobutake in 1959. She passed in 1996 due to cancer. After retiring from the Air Force, he attended Delaware State University and received his Bachelor of Science. After receiving his degree, he worked at Ferris School for Boys and New Castle County Detention Center in the position of supervisor. David also spoke various languages. He enjoyed watching sports such as golf and tennis and could be found on any given day watching sports especially if his Dallas Cowboys were playing. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. David also was a Black Belt in Kimiko. He was a member of the NAACP and Gentlemen's Club. In February of 2002, he married his love and best friend. He called her Bob and she called him Amos. In 2003, Tiny Tots was established by David & his wife Barbara and he had become fondly known as Uncle David or Pop-Pop to many young parents. He also loved the time spent with his two great grandsons Doctor Watson (Ja'Velle) & Sherlock (Se'Maj).

Jab, his name given to him by his brothers, joined Prince Hall Lodge in 1962. During his tenor he held many titles: Worshipful Master, Past Master, Grand Junior Warden, Grand Senior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Deacon, 33rd Degree Freemason, and RW Grand Master. He joined Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Jurisdiction Inc. on July 28, 1977. He joined Eastern Star Hattie S. Blackwell Chapter #16. He held the position of Patron of Hattie S. Blackwell, Grand Patron of Jurisdiction of DE, President of Past Grand Matron/Patrons Council.

David attended Calvary Baptist Church of Dover, DE for many years and was baptized in 1985 under the leadership of the late Apostle Richard M. Avant. In 2002, David united with New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor C.V. Holmes. Having demonstrated notable Christian behavior and background in a short time, he was found qualified and duly ordained by Pastor Holmes and the Union of Baptist Churches and Pastors. David served faithfully and joyfully for many years as Chairman of the Deacons and Trustee of the Church. He sang in the male chorus and combined choir. Personal obligations called for a leave of absence from duty, during which time illness also prevented him from returning to active attendance.

David was preceded in death by his father William and his mother Dorothy Roland, Judith Tribbey, Grace Means, Geraldine Brown, Kenneth Roland, Catherine Roland, William Roland Jr., and sons Jar'Velle Glass & Bryan Glass.

He leaves to cherish his wife Barbara Holmes Roland; two sisters Apostle Laura Leadbetter and Yvone Coachman of East Orange New Jersey; daughter Angelia D. Glass; granddaughter Sade' Glass (Kwame Whitted-Nti); great grandchildren Javelle James-Glass and Semaj James-Glass; God-son Jonathan Benjamin of Dover, DE; two special nieces Apostle Anita Paige and Deaconess Dorothy Jacobs; his nephew Hudis Means; along with a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins; three special young ladies Mirlande Fraizer & family, Nikima Ford, and Jennifer John-Moore who he considered as daughters, and Brian Richards who he considered a son; Marlene Shockley a bonus niece; Sharda Schoolfield (family) & Shenequa Lynn Johnson bonus granddaughters; and Ivan Pearson Shockley IV bonus great grandson.

A funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 where there will be a viewing from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Saturday. A graveside service with full military honors will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, 6486 Bay Road, Frederica, DE 19946. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.