Richard J. Roderick

**Richard J.  Roderick**

“Rocky”

May 1, 1944 – December 17, 2024

Richard J. Roderick, 80, of Burlington, Connecticut, passed away on December 17, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Waterville, Maine on May 1, 1944. He leaves behind his wife CarolAnn “Salce”, daughters Michelle and husband John Vecchio, Melissa and husband Craig Wheelock, brother-in-law Dan Salce and wife Gale, grandchildren Erica, Jake, Joey, and Sydney, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and beloved animals Snickers, Ally, John Singleton Mosby, and Skittles.

He served his country as a United States Marine. During his time, he gained three lifelong brothers, Dino, Turtle, and Rabbit; to them, he was known as Rocky. He’s been reunited with two of them in heaven.

For the last 40 years, he was a member of the Devil Dogs and was promoted to Pedigree. He was also a member of the Marine Corp Leagues Southington detachment accompanied by his daughter Melissa, who is an associate member, and Rick was recently given the title of The Commandant. He considered this attachment as an extension of his family.

Rick brought his exceptional driving skills from the Marines into his civilian life as a training specialist in the public transportation sector with Corbin Bus and Dattco. Known for his keen sense of direction and unmatched knowledge of landmarks and street names, he took pride in teaching his two daughters and four grandchildren to drive. In addition, he also enjoyed staying up to date on current events, history, golf, western movies, ZZ top, the barn, boogie boarding with his grandchildren, and vacations to Old Orchard Beach with his family.

Rick, a man full of wisdom and humor, had a loving tradition of creating nicknames for everyone he held dear, reflecting how deeply he cherished those around him. “Bones”, “THE Moo” then upgraded to “Candy Girl”, “Squeege”, “Mini Bones”, “Jake-er”, “Pie”, “Squeegette”, “Big Dog” … you all know who you are. His wife, who was his rock, stood by him through every challenge life gave them. She supported him wholeheartedly throughout their marriage and in the past 8 years, his three strokes and a battle with cancer. Despite it all, she was still able to balance her life being an incredible mother and Grammy.

Rick’s quick wit and inappropriate jokes kept those around him laughing until the very end. His sharp mind could retrieve vivid details from decades past and random trivial facts.

As we remember Rick’s boundless humor and unwavering strength, we take comfort in knowing he is now with his brothers guarding Heaven's gates. May his memory continue to bring smiles and many laughs to all who knew him.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Connecticut, with a celebration of life immediately following.

Semper Fi.