Victor Renato Rolando

1932 - 2025

Victor R. Rolando, age 93 years and 8 months, a resident of The Village at Norton Potters, Bennington, VT, died on October 21, 2025 . He was born February 10, 1932, in Albany, NY, the son of the late Madeline E. Rolando (née Milano) born in Plattsburgh, NY, and the late Professor Renato Victor Rolando born in Castellamonte, Italy.

Following graduation in 1950 from Christian Brothers Academy, Albany, he served a year of combat in Korea with the US Marine Corps, later rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt) by 1955. After returning home to Albany in 1955 he earned an AAS degree from Hudson Valley Technical Institute in 1957, a BA from Empire State College in 1974, and an MA from The College of Saint Rose in 1980. A founding member of The Historical Society of Esquatak in 1971, he was appointed both Town of Schodack Historian and Rensselaer County Historian by the town and county civil authorities.

Following 35 years at the General Electric Ordnance Department in Pittsfield, MA, he retired and moved to Vermont where he served on the boards of various archeology and historical societies. He conducted original research, field diggings, writings, and lecturing on the subject of industrial archeology throughout the Northeast. During this time he received many awards and recognitions, authored professional articles in The Journal of Vermont Archaeology, with his foremost and comprehensive book "200 Years of Soot and Sweat" being published in 1992. He was a Life Member and former president of the Vermont Archaeological Society, editor of The Journal of Vermont Archaeology, and was awarded Contributing Life Membership by the Bennington Museum. He was also Research Associate for both the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the Green Mountain National Forest.

Survivors include his former wife Mary Louise Mancini (née Cioppa) of Hillsdale, NY; children (and spouses) Madeline (and Patrick) Kelly of Pittsfield, MA, Christopher (and Jennifer) Rolando of Lake Havasu City, AZ, and Joanna (and Michael) Farrere of Hillsdale. Four grandchildren include Christian Kelly; Victoria Rolando; Nicholas Rolando; and Jacob Rolando; and two great-grandchildren Emmie and Tyler Gordon. He is also survived by his sister Nina Bonney (née Rolando) of Concord, NH; brother Lt. Col. (USAF, Retired) John Rolando of Bonita Springs, FL, and Kennebunkport, ME; many nieces and nephews, and cousins including a close second-cousin Virginia Dempsey of Anderson, SC. He was predeceased by a close first-cousin Giovanna Boss; by Pamela Rolando (née Mixer), mother of granddaughter Victoria; and by his sister Lia Catalano-Elk (née Rolando).

His USMC Service decorations include: the Korean Service Medal; the United Nations Korea Service Medal; and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

At Victor's request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 12:00PM on October 29, 2025 at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington, VT.