Jonathan Rolfe was a skilled carpenter who built everything from houses to theater sets for Broadway shows and generously gave his time to help theater students at Greely High School in Cumberland.

Rolfe, who had an infectious smile and zest for life, also struggled with depression and alcohol, those close to him said. He never sought professional help or confided in anyone the depth of pain he felt. He took his own life on Friday at his home in Gray. He was 45.

Janelle Lavallee of Gray, Rolfe’s longtime girlfriend, discovered his body. He did not leave a note. She sobbed Tuesday morning reminiscing about their life together and the impact he had on those around him.

“I keep hoping that I’m going to wake up,” Lavallee said in a soft, shaky voice. “This can’t be real. We were supposed to grow old together. He was so wonderful and so many people loved him so much.”

Rolfe was a graduate of Greely High School and the University of Maine. He had a lifelong passion for carpentry and worked in the profession all of his life. As a teenager, he built sets for the theater department at Greely High School, and later the University of Maine. He also built sets for the Maine State Music Theater in Brunswick.

Rolfe’s obituary, published in Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s newspapers, said he earned a job building sets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows in New York City. He worked on productions for “STOMP,” “Tap Dogs” and many Dick Clark New Year’s Eve specials. He also built sets for television shows, including “Saturday Night Live,” “Oprah Winfrey” and “Phil Donahue.” He traveled across the country building sets for bridal shows. Most recently, he was a self-employed contractor with Todd Harrison Builders of Durham.

“He had this artistic vision,” said Rolfe’s twin sister, Katherine Townsend of Yarmouth. “Building homes could never compare to the love he had for building theater sets.”

Rolfe was remembered by loved ones Tuesday as creative, funny, intelligent and outgoing. His family also spoke of his selfless actions. He extended his carpentry skills to others, and spent time doing projects with “Big Red,” his tractor.

“He was funny as hell,” his sister said. “He was goofy and silly and always had a quick wit. … He embraced life. He would do anything for anyone and never asked for things in return, almost to a fault.”

Though Rolfe seemed to have his life together, he was suffering on the inside. Townsend and Lavallee spoke openly about his struggle with alcohol, depression and chronic pain over the past few years. It had been a hard year for Rolfe. He supported a loved one through an illness and struggled with the passing of his father, Gerald Rolfe, who died in August.

Rolfe, the guy who always put others ahead of himself, left little time for his own healing and grieving.

Townsend said her brother had a difficult time sharing his feelings and was afraid to disappoint family and friends. She suggested therapy several times, but Rolfe said no. She and Lavallee also asked if he thought he might harm himself and he said no.

“I’m totally blindsided,” Townsend said. “I can’t imagine why he felt this was his only option. We believe that alcohol was a factor in Johnny’s final decision.”

Rolfe’s obituary acknowledged that he took his own life. His family included the following information for anyone struggling with depression or contemplating suicide: “Please reach out for help at 207-774-HELP (207-774-4357) or go to your nearest emergency department.”