Hollis Duswald Dies at 48 After Life in Mid-Coast Maine

A mechanic known for his technical skills, a longtime tow truck driver, and a cemetery grounds crew member, Hollis H. Duswald spent much of his life serving the Mid-Coast Maine community before his death at age 48 on October 3, 2026. His family announced his passing in an obituary published by PenBay Pilot, identifying Rockland as his longtime home.

Duswald was born in Rockport on June 18, 1978, to Ronald Sr. and Marie (Vicelich) Duswald. According to his obituary, he was the youngest son in the family, attended schools in Rockland, and spent most of his life in the Mid-Coast area.

His professional life centered on mechanical work and driving. He worked as a mechanic and developed a reputation for his skills, while operating tow trucks for several years became his greatest occupational passion.

Most recently, Duswald joined the grounds crew at the Rockland Cemetery Association. His obituary said he took pride in maintaining the grounds of local cemeteries.

Outside work, Duswald enjoyed food and family gatherings. His obituary described how he would often enter the kitchen while his sister-in-law prepared meals to ask about the appealing smells.

He also took pride in earning his motorcycle license and rode whenever he could borrow his brother's Harley. Family members remembered him as a large, gentle presence, describing him as a big teddy bear.

His daughter, Elizabeth Duswald, was the central figure in his life, according to the obituary. He is survived by Elizabeth and her mother, Lauren Curtis, of Hope.

Duswald's father, Ronald Duswald, Sr., died before him. His surviving family includes his mother, Marie Duswald, of Rockland, and his brothers Anthony Vicelich, Luke Broderick, Ronald Duswald, Jr., and Adam Duswald.

Anthony Vicelich lives in Rockland with his wife, Jenny. Luke Broderick lives in Hawaii with his wife, Laura, while Ronald Duswald, Jr., lives in Rockland and Adam Duswald lives in Atlanta, Georgia. The obituary also noted that Duswald leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members.

A remembrance gathering took place on Saturday, October 17, at South End Beach near the El Farro Salute Monument. Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, located at 110 Limerock Street in Rockland, handled the arrangements.