Roland Goulart of Edgartown passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, after a battle with lung cancer. He was 85.
Roland was born on Martha’s Vineyard on Jan. 4, 1941, and, aside from some time serving in the Air Force, he spent the majority of his life rooted in the place he knew and loved.
Roland built a career at the Edgartown highway department, and also worked as a carpenter, bartender, and tour guide. He spent the last two decades of his life as a bus driver, which made him a familiar face for locals and visitors alike. He had a knack for storytelling, and was known for sharing a mix of historical facts, local legends, and the occasional tall tale about the Island. Whether entirely accurate or not, his stories were always delivered with confidence and humor.
In his free time he was often found playing cribbage with friends or spending an afternoon at the VFW or the P.A. Club, places where he enjoyed good company and familiar conversation.
He is remembered as someone who knew the island inside and out, took pride in its history, and enjoyed passing along what he knew to anyone willing to listen.
He is survived by Jackie Goulart of Edgartown; his son, Kevin Goulart of Chelmsford; and his daughter, Stephanie Slali of San Diego, Calif.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 1 pm at the old Edgartown graveyard.