John M. Roderick

Dearest Rosann:
You are a remarkable and strong woman, whom I felt was robbed of many more years with John. I know that you felt that no matter how much time you had with him, it was time well spent. But, I feel that God could have given you both more time to relax and enjoy your wonderful family. I don't know if I could ever be as strong as you are given the same situation. I sincerely admire you and always have. You and John made a wonderful team and continued to bring more...

Dearest John, Aimee and daughters:
I know that you don't know us very well but your father, John, was my husband John's 1st cousin. We sincerely love your grandparents. Your father was a remarkable man, a genius by any standards. He was, as I recall, very quiet and soft spoken and could carry on a conversation with someone (like us) who hadn't seen him in a long time just as if he spoke to us every day. I am sincerely upset that you were not allowed to give the beautiful eulogy...

Dearest Uncle John and Auntie Florence:
Please know that you raised two remarkable children who have left their imprints on many of us and in our lives. I can only imagine how heavy your hearts are and you must be inconsolable. But, rest assured, I'm quite sure that they are in heaven looking down on us and probably nudging us in the right direction. May God bless you both and keep you in his care always.
All our love always,
Niece Mary Jane and Nephew John Sousa and our...

Dear Rosanne and family
I am very sorry about your loss. I didn't know John very long, but as soon as I met him I thought he was a very special person. He was a very personable and caring individual. I can't thank you enough for letting me read his book. He was an inspiration to all. He will be greatly missed. I will keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers.

I will cherish the many times I had with John, and miss him. But the greatest gift that John gave to me was that he reached out through the internet to find me from his hospital bed. As was typical of him, he did not share what was happening to him, and did not think of himself. Instead, he wanted to cheer me up and give me positive and encouraging thoughts that would help me with my own battle with cancer. God bless you John and give you everlasting peace and happiness. And may your...

May you rest in peace John, Thank you for always being there to help us girls with clearing our heads, and keeping on track. Your thoughtful words of advice were always taken in, and as I sit back and think upon them now, I am grateful for what the wisdom I learned and admire from you. Thank you for bringing such joy and love to my friend, and her mother. We will miss you deeply.

John was a mentor and a great friend. I will never underestimate the impact he has on my life. Thank You John.

Rosann,
Our thoughts are with you during this time of loss. I am sorry we didn't get to know John - but he will be missed just the same. He was an inspiration to me, even though I barely knew him.

We often say of people we admire . . . and slightly envy, “S/he has a talent for happiness.”

John Roderick had a greater and more enviable talent. He had a talent for the happiness of other people.

John’s gift for happiness extended to his students, his co-workers, and his colleagues. Your good fortune, whether hard-earned or dumb luck, was his delight. His smile was as guileless as an infant’s and as knowing as the Buddha’s.

In academic life the perks are modest and...