Nicholas Aniceto Rodman

1987 - 2017

Rodman, Nicholas Aniceto,

Nicholas Aniceto Rodman passed away in the line of the duty on March 29th, 2017. At the time of his death Nick was thirty years old. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 6th, 1987 - the first-born son of George and Linda Rodman. Nick graduated from Holy Cross High School with a 4.0 GPA in 2005. There he was an All-District, All-Region football player, as well as an all-star soccer player. He then attended Georgetown College, where he was vice president of his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2009. During his time at Holy Cross and Georgetown College Nick made many friends that became family to him.

On New Year's Eve 2009, he began dating and soon fell in love with his future wife Ashley Stigall. Their love was never dull, and the glow in his eyes alone showed how much he loved and cared for Ashley. They were married in a large celebration on September 28th, 2013. Guests who attended said it was one of the greatest celebrations of love they have and will ever experience. Nick and Ashley later adopted two dogs together named Mojo and Lily, who they considered their children until the births of their beautiful children Mason and Ellie.

Nick was many things to his friends and family. He could be quiet and kind, or loud and goofy. But the thing that many will remember most about him was his devotion to family. Nick's dad George taught him from an early age that family always came first. They had an extremely special bond and George acted as a father, a coach, and guidance for Nick throughout his life. But he learned his patience and kindness from his mom. Linda and Nick shared a bond unlike any other. Not a day went by without Nick calling his mama to check in and tell her he loved her. When Andy was born, Nick not only gained a brother but also a best friend. They grew up side by side and shared all stages of their lives together. Nick acted as a protector and caregiver to his little sister, Carly. He never failed to interrogate and successfully scare any boy that came close to her. The two of them spent many fun-filled Saturdays at GattiLand playing games and eating pizza. Regardless of their busy schedules, the Rodmans spent every Sunday night having dinner together, and it was something Nick looked forward to every week.

He cherished the memories he had as a child, and committed himself to providing an even better life for his wife, son, and newborn baby girl. Nick worked long nights for the 1st Division, but never missed the chance the following day to take his wife, son and daughter to the zoo or sit down with his family to watch a movie. Nick spent many days chasing, playing, and showing his endless love to his son Mason, who was a mini Nick. Whether it was swinging outside on their backyard swing set, going to Louisville Cream to get ice cream, or just laying around watching Netflix, Mason was always surrounded by love from his amazing parents. When their daughter Ellie was born she instantly became a Daddy's Girl and was rarely seen away from Nick. Her favorite thing, other than eating, was laying on her dad's chest to cuddle with him. Mason and Ellie were blessed with the two best parents in the world.

The only thing that came close to his love for his family was his Louisville Cardinals. He loved the times grilling and tailgating with his family and friends for every UofL game, no matter what sport it was.

Growing up he saw how much joy being an LMPD police officer brought his father, George. He also saw how much being a police officer positively affected the life of his brother, Andy. He just knew that being a police officer was what he was meant to do. He entered the LMPD academy in February 2013 and after graduating in June of that same year, Nick was assigned to the 1st Division. Nick always described his platoon as "the best platoon in the department." He cared deeply about all the members of his platoon and considered them his family. He was excited every day to serve with his brothers and sisters to protect the city of Louisville as the "Tip of the Spear."

Nick was an outstanding man, father, husband, son, brother and friend. He left us too soon and will be greatly missed. We love you, Nick-Nick.

Officer Nick Rodman is survived by his loving and devoted wife Ashley Rodman, his two-year old son Mason Aniceto and newborn daughter Ellie Jean. His father, LMPD officer George Rodman, mother Linda, brother LMPD Officer Andy Rodman and his sister Carly. He was grandson of Joe "Papa Joe" Ellis, son-in-law of Christy and Jim Coe and Greg and Lori Stigall, brother-in-law to Tim Stigall and uncle to Jameson Stigall. Nick is also survived by numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by Dave "Papa" Rodman, Jessie "Maw-maw" Rodman, and Carole "Mimi" Ellis.

The visitation will be held Monday, April 3rd, 2017, from 12-7 p.m. followed by a FOP memorial service from 7-8 p.m. at Arch L. Heady, 4400 Bardstown Road. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway. After the funeral service, Officer Nick Rodman will be laid to rest at Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Avenue.