Caroline&Rolfe family. my deepest condolences for your loss. I worked with both of you at GM. Brian was a wonderful person to work with & be around.Again my deepest condolences. Marc J Curran

~ Marc Curran - May 28, 2020

WE WERE DEAR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS IN SADDLEBROOKE, AZ. FOR MANY YEARS. BRIAN AND ARNIE PLAYED A LOT OF GOLF TOGETHER IN THE BEGINNING YEARS. WE WENT TO DINNER QUIT OFTEN
BUT WE COULD'NT LEAVE UNTIL BRIAN WAS FINISHED WITH HIS WORKOUT AT THE GYM. WE MISS BOTH
OF YOU STILL TODAY.
.BRIAN I HOPE YOU TELL YOUR BUDDIES THE " THE CHOPPED LIVER JOKE" WE KNOW THEY WILL ENJOY IT REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND
ARNIE AND JOSIE EMANUEL

~ ARNIE AND JOSIE EMANUEL - May 22, 2020

Caroline:

I was saddened to learn of Brian's passing. My sympathy to you and your family. Fortunately, we can look forward to a reunion in Heaven, thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Duane and I always enjoyed our visits with both of you at Catalina Lutheran Church.

Loving sympathy,

Doris Clatanoff

~ Doris Clatanoff - May 19, 2020

Dear Rolfe Family,

I extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to each of you during this trying and most difficult time.

I had the honor of briefly meeting Brian at Hope Church during a Memorial Day luncheon that my sister Oksana Robinson and her husband Rob organize yearly for all our Veterans.

My immediate takeaway was Brian's unwavering love of Family, Marine Corps and Country. Brian is a TRUE MARINE!

There is no doubt in my mind that all the Love and good memories you shared with your beloved Brian over the years will help ease the pain you all now endure.

In Brian's honor I would like to share this poem that I learned during my time in the Marine Corps in the early 70's. I am reciting it from memory from 1973 so I apologize if I skip a word or two. The title is Marine(obviously).

You can have your Army khaki's, you can have your Navy blues but here's another fighting man I 'll introduce to you. His uniform is different from others you have seen. The Germans called them Devil Dogs their real name is Marine.

They're born on Parris Island, the land that God forgot! The sand is 18 inches deep, the sun is scorching hot. They wake up in the morning before the rising sun and run a thousand miles or more before the day is done.

So listen all you young girls to what I have to say: Go out and find yourself a young Marine today. He'll hug you and he'll kiss you, he'll never be untrue . There's nothing in this whole wide world a young Marine can't do.

And when he goes to Heaven to Saint Peter he will tell, "Another Marine reporting sir, I served my time in Hell."


RIP Marine and thank you for your Honorable Service!



Walt Simoni

~ Walt Simoni - May 15, 2020

After many years of seeing Brian & Caroline a few times each summer on their visits to Rochester, we were thrilled to know that they were going to be our neighbors. We had looked forward to a long friendship and were very sad when Brian's health started to decline. I had the privilege of praying with Brian one day as he was being transferred into the ambulance. As sick as he was, Brian's "AMEN!" was strong and firm. We were honored to have Lt. Col. Brian Rolfe join us at an annual Veteran's Lunch that we sponsor over Memorial Day week-end at Hope Church. His military career was outstanding, and his experiences could easily fill a book, but Brian was extremely humble when I inquired about it. We were touched by the many tributes of his fellow Marines and other servicemen. My brother, also a Marine, told me that when Brian enters the gates of heaven, " To Saint Peter he will tell...another Marine reporting, Sir. I've served my time in hell". Our deepest condolences to you, Caroline, and all of your family at your heartbreaking loss. With love and sympathy, Oksana & Rob

~ Rob & Oksana Robinson - May 14, 2020

,I wish to extend my sincerest sympathy to Caroline and his entire family. Brian was a very special and unique person. Since we were both career Marines, Vietnam veterans, and General motors executives
we had so much in common and shared many hours trading personal and Marine Corps stories. To this day, I still can't understand how Brian could eat the glass after finishing a cocktail. In Vietnam, Brian was a chopper pilot
and I was an infantry company and battalion commander, yet we shared similar experiences. I have the greatest respect for those chopper pilots that put their lives on the line for us. I owe my life to Brian and his fellow chopper pilots
that transported me when I was shot in the stomach and was in going into shock. On behalf of all Vietnam Marines, THANKS TO YOU and your fellow pilots. I have so many memories of Brian when he worked at RPD's personnel and PURCHASING Department. I went to his retirement luncheon one day and the next day saw him behind a desk at the Henrietta Engineering Center. I told him, Brian, I have some news for you "you're retired" you should be
relaxing or at a golf course. He told me with his contagious big grin that he now was working for the company that he used to purchased products from. GOd bless Marine. You will be missed, SEMPER FI,
Louis and Lee Santos

~ Luis E. Santos - May 12, 2020

Caroline and family,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you!!! I have such fond memories “Moose” when he and my Dad were in the reserves together. We are so thankful that you and Moose were able to attend my parents’ anniversary party in 2014!!! Dad was so surprised to see you both!!!! Oh the stories they told that day! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shelly (Henry) & Kevin Stroble

~ Shelly & Kevin Stroble - May 11, 2020

Caroline & Rolfe Family
It was a sad event when I received word of Moose's passing--didn't seem possible. I frequently think back on the fun and education I got from Moose in Viet Nam .We flew and partied together for about six months before the squadrons were broken up. I guess my biggest regret is that we did not stay in touch more over the years. You should all be proud of him-- he was a true Marine. I will miss him and you all will be in my prayers.
Bill

~ William Waterbury - May 11, 2020

We have many great memories of Brian. If it was at the bar or on our porch, it was alway a fun time. Brian was a true gentleman. Brian is always welcomed at the Goodwill Camp ! RIP Brian, we will always remember your smile and the good times that came with it.
Our condolences to the Rolfe family.

Laurie & John Plummer
Bob Thomas
Goodwill Camp
Birdsall, NY

~ Bob Thomas - May 11, 2020

Caroline - I am so thankful that I was introduced to you & Brian by your dear friend Barb at Hope Ch one Sun. a.m. It was brief, but meaningful. Your faith in our Lord Jesus will continue to give you Peace as you deal w/this new 'normal' in your life. God is with you.

~ Norma Thom - May 11, 2020

The River will never be the same! For 33 years, Brian and Caroline have been our River neighbors. Brian was always there if we needed help, to borrow a tool, help with a boat or watch our cottage when we returned to Fairport for a few days. How many times did we manually dredge the harbor together! Every year, Brian grew the most delicious golden cherry tomatoes you ever tasted. We will miss his laughter and greetings when we'd arrive at the River. Now he is golfing and fishing in the heavenly River up yonder. Blessings to Caroline, Susan, Lynn and his family. Love, Nancy and Tom

~ Nancy Dummer - May 11, 2020

If there was ever a man who could claim the ownership of the phrase “Lead, follow, or, “Get out of the way.”, it was Moose Rolfe. He was bigger than life and a force to be dealt with. You the man, Moose Man. Semper Fi, Mills

~ Bob Mills Mills - May 8, 2020

It is hard to imagine a more gentle, caring and friendly man like Brian. For over a quarter of a century we shared laughter, friendship, and "life" stories. As a neighbor in our hamlet in Tucson, Arizona he and Caroline were always there for assistance when my residence, that was next to theirs, was unoccupied and required attention and sometimes intervention.

Brian, having served as a Marine, one might expect a gruff exterior but this was not Brian. He had a soft side and always was there to lend a hand regardless of the request! I was the beneficiary of the time spent with him however brief, whether over drinks, at dinner or on the golf course, he was always there to say a nice word or engage in conversation about worldly events.

From my perspective and suppose as well as from those who knew him he will be sadly missed. Our prayers are extended to Caroline and the entire Rolfe family and hope the time of mourning is shortened when you think of all the positive attributes Brian brought to friends, family and life itself.

Kenn & Nancy

~ Kenn Brown - May 8, 2020

You will be in my heart forever big brother. I feel a little lost without you. You were a great protector and the world does not seem as safe without you. Rest In Peace bro until we are all together again. Your loving sister, Susan

~ Susan Ernisse - May 7, 2020

I was a crew chief for Captain Rolfe 1968-1969. We did a Caribbean cruise. He was one of my favorite pilots along with captain Jerry Caudle. RIP my friend. Oooorah. Semper fi

~ John. Killer Cain - May 7, 2020

We will always cherish the memories of the good times we shared with Brian and Caroline at their home in SaddleBrooke, AZ

~ Bob & Cynthia Smith - May 6, 2020

From the moment I met Brian I was impressed with his love of country, his impressive military service and his respect for others. Whenever he needed me to substitute for him in the Dick Bertrand Senior golf league I did so without hesitation. It was because of my respect for him and his dedication to everything he chose to get involved in.
So long golf buddy. My flag will be at half staff for you.
Butch Cullen

~ Cyril "Butch" Cullen - May 6, 2020

One of the very best Marines that I have ever served with! R.I.P.

~ Richard Harper - May 6, 2020

As a crew chief in Vietnam I knew him as Moose, but always called him Captain Rolfe. When he was flying my helicopter, I never had to worry about where we were going or what we were doing. He always got us there and back. Back in the states, he knew I aspired to a career as a pilot and he encouraged me and even got me a little bootleg flight time in helicopters. Later in life, at the Reunions of HMM-265, he became Moose to me. Great stories, great man and a magnificent Marine. Rest In Peace and Semper Fi, John Long, Sgt. USMC

~ John Long - May 6, 2020

Moose,
Rest easy big guy, we’ve got your six. I’ll never forget our wrestling match aboard the Boxer when I let you (180 lbs) pin me (110 lbs soaking wet!). Semper Fi.

~ Bruce Major - May 6, 2020

Serving with Moose in Vietnam as pilots in HMM-265 is a treasured experience. He was a fearless warrior. There was never a finer Marine serving his country
than him.

~ George Cumpston - May 6, 2020

i FIRST MET BRIAN IN 1963 AT MCAS NEW RIVER WHEN I JOINED MY FIRST SQUADRON. HE WAS THERE ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE ME. WE DEPLOYED ON SEVERAL CRUISES AND WHEN WE RETURNED FROM THE LAST ONE IN 1965, WE WERE SELECTED FOR THE FIRST H-46 SQUADRON WHICH DEPLOYED TO VIETNAM IN MAY 1966. WE WERE ALL RETURNED TO USA IN 1967 AND THOUGH I WAS NEVER WITH HIM IN THE SQUADRON, OUR FRIENDSHIP HAS LASTED ALL THESE YEARS. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND MARINE AND I WILL MISS HIM

~ LARRY MCDONALD - May 6, 2020

IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO WRITE ABOUT A GREAT FRIEND WHO PLAYED SUCH A BIG ROLE IN MY LIFE I STILL CANT BELIEVE HE IS GONE. I MET BRIAN ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO IN BIRDSALL NY.... WE STRUCK UP A GREAT FRIENDSHIP IMMEDIATELY. WE HUNTED TOGETHER & HE AND I AND OUR WIVES TRAVELED THE COUNTRY TOGETHER... IN SHORT HE WAS LIKE A BROTHER TO ME. AS I TOLD BRIAN THE LAST TIME WE TALKED, AS DIFFICULT AS THAT WAS FOR BOTH OF US, I SAID, " HEY BUDDY, HOPE TO SEE YOU IN HEAVEN"! I DIDN'T JUST LIKE BRIAN,I LOVED THE GUY. HIS DEPARTURE HAS LEFT A BIG HOLE IN MY HEART. .KIRK..

~ KIRK KOENIG - May 6, 2020

Put bluntly, my Uncle Brian was a true American hero and the hole he has left will never be filled. I was proudly named after him while he was in Vietnam and I will never forget how he encouraged me throughout my life. He was the inspiration for me to be a career fighter pilot and officer in the military. Keep your turns up Uncle, until we meet again.

~ Brian Ernisse - May 5, 2020

Till this day I still call him Mr Rolfe,Bob and I grew up together spent a lot of weekends in his basement playing Risk, Monoply Etc... On occasion camp out in the back yard Mr Rolfe would sometimes take Bob and I to his hunting cabin in Birdsall to camp in the woods and would take us to the Birdsall inn for dinner. I enjoyed listing to his stories about flying his helicopter etc... Recently went to his cottage in the 1000 islands to help him set up a car port he and Carolyn were the most gracious host. I always looked up to him thought he was a pretty cool guy.
Rip Mr Rolfe,thank you for your service.????

~ Timothy Wiggins - May 5, 2020

Brian, I prefer to call him MOOSE, and I met in 1966 at Marble Mountain, South Vietnam as young Marine Aviators. We have been friends and squadron mates over the many years. He and I saw many hours of combat together and he was always the consummate professional. His expertise in aviation was exemplary. Moose will be sorely missed by ALL Marines he served with. Rest in Peace Buddy!!

~ Marty Hoesch COL. USMC (Ret.) - May 5, 2020