LINCOLNVILLE — Roger William “Bill” Rocknak, son of Charles J. and Ruth A. Rocknak, passed away peacefully in his Lincolnville, Maine home on October 25, 2023, at the age of 88.

Bill was born during the depression on May 16, 1935, in Princeton, New Jersey. He graduated from the Hun School of Princeton in 1954 and went on to earn his Art degree from Colby College in 1958. Having grown up during World War II and the years following, Bill became a learned student of WWII history.

Working alongside his father in a Mobil gas station garage at a very early age, Bill acquired a lifelong passion for “everyman” vehicles, and as a young teenager his first acquisition was a 1929 Police Harley Davidson for $25 followed by a 1929 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup, and then a 1943 WWII surplus Ford GPW Jeep.

When Bill was about 14 years old, he worked at a boat launch on Carnegie Lake in Princeton handling the daily boat rentals. One day, Dr. Albert Einstein arrived along with a couple of others to rent a boat for a picnic on the lake. Apparently, the famous scientist was a bit overconfident when he stepped in the small skiff from the dock and flipped it over, trapping him underneath, leaving him floundering and calling for help. Young Bill jumped in the lake, swam over to the boat, and went under the skiff to find the famous scientist struggling to stay afloat. The doctor said, “Help me, I can’t swim.” To which Bill replied, “That’s okay, just stand up.” Not  realizing they were in only about 4 or 5 feet of water, Einstein simply stopped flailing and put his feet on the lake bottom to stand. Bill flipped the boat back over and the good doctor went home for the day.

Bill went on to raise money for college by plowing snow with his various Jeeps. During college in the summers, he worked with his uncle hauling and delivering kegs of Guinness beer. He then joined the United States Army Reserves at Fort Dix, New Jersey, joining a special unit of college grads.

During his days at Colby College, he acquired two Ford Model Ts: a 1917 and a 1921. They were prized possessions and he often joyfully cruised through the streets of Waterville with his friends. Eventually, he sold the 1917 Model T to buy an engagement ring for his future wife and fellow Colby alumna, Lucinda Ann Allerton. They went on to share 64 years together. He eventually passed the 1921 Model T on to his son Scott, while acquiring a 1929 Chevrolet Woody Wagon for his son Russ, and a 1936 Ford coupe for his daughter, Steff.

As a side note, his kids were in grammar school at the time, and couldn’t drive yet. His enduring passion for mechanical objects persisted throughout his life. Bill lovingly restored numerous cars and boats, with a notable discovery being a vintage New Jersey “Pound” Surf Boat he pulled from the sand, restored, and put on display at his parents’ yacht basin in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey.

In 1967, Bill became a Community First Aid Responder and Ambulance Driver (predecessor to an EMT) in Forked River, New Jersey. He was also an admired and loved art teacher at Toms River North High School, where he provided a respite of calm and creativity during the tumultuous 1960s.

Bill returned to Maine with his family in 1972, and collectively with the whole family helped to restore their old farmhouse and cottage on Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson, Maine. There, he taught his kids to fish, ski, and snowmobile—giving them the opportunity to really love the outdoors. One of Bill’s first jobs after landing back in Maine was as a Vocational Coordinator at the Maine State Prison which was then located in Thomaston. He was a mentor to those who were soon to be released, preparing them for their second chance at freedom. From there, Bill started Rocknak’s Camden Yacht Sales in 1975, and changed the name to Rocknak’s Yacht Sales in 1985 when his son Scott joined the business full-time.

His most recent project, which was in September of this year, involved the refurbishment of a 1952 22-foot Chris Crag Sportsman, an endeavor that surprised his family when he single-handedly loaded it onto a flatbed car trailer—cradle and all—using just pullies and a truck winch. Bill, along with his wife, Lucinda, also undertook the restoration and refurbishment of various historic houses, including their homes in Forked River, New Jersey, and Jefferson, Maine. He had a deep appreciation for all things vintage and took great delight in breathing new life into them.

In addition to his mechanical pursuits, Bill was a skilled artist, creating sculptures, landscapes, and historical scenes. His children, who also embrace the arts, view him as their most influential mentor. Bill was not only a talented individual but was also a kind and gentle soul, cherished by his community. Trained in First Aid Rescue, he possessed an innate desire to help, always stopping to lend a hand at accidents and emergencies.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lucinda (Cindy), and their three children, Scott, Russ and his wife Celeste, and Steff. He also is survived by his three grandchildren, Luke, Stryker, and Conrad Rocknak as well as his step-granddaughter, Lindsay Yonce, and his beloved cat Raffi.

His absence leaves a void that is and will be deeply felt, as he leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and a deep love for the old and beautiful.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for the summer of 2024.

To share share a memory or condolence with Bill’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.