Leo L. Roderick Jr.

FITCHBURG - Leo L. Roderick, Jr, 81, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, passed away on September 19, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born on April 28, 1942 in Dorchester, Massachusetts to Leo L. Roderick, Sr. and Evelyn Harding Roderick.
Leo is survived by his "Bride" of 30 years, Tina M. Roderick of Fitchburg, MA and his son and "Best Bud" William E. Campbell of Groton, MA; sister Anita "Sam" Curran of Florida and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Janice Roderick and his brother Mark Roderick.
Leo was a graduate of English High School, Boston, class of 1959. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and after basic training was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. During his assignment in Germany, he witnessed President John F. Kennedy's motorcade through the streets of Berlin. Leo stood on the side of the road and saluted President Kennedy as he drove through the Berlin streets in his Cadillac convertible. In 1966 Leo volunteered for service in the Vietnam War where he served as a Chaplain's Assistant. He didn't speak much of his time in Vietnam until these past few years after becoming involved with Clear Path for Veterans. He was most comfortable being around his fellow servicemen and could finally share with Tina and Willie his time in the war. He thoroughly enjoyed the Clear Path for Veteran's breakfast in Fitchburg and the Clear Path Canteen Lunch at Devens. He felt accepted and safe there. He felt loved.
Although he never received formal training, Leo had an ear for languages and was able to converse with people from many countries. A trait that endeared him to all.
After 10 years of military service, Leo left the Army and worked as a long-haul tractor trailer driver for Hallamore Corporation of Holbrook, Massachusetts. He drove across America during the hey-day of the trucking industry in the 1970's. His CB Handle was "Slow Poke" and he was known in the truck stops throughout America as "Roddy the Roadie". His tales of the road are legendary.
Leo retired from Hallamore in 1995 and worked for Apollo Security. He was awarded a plaque for outstanding service as Officer of the Year.
Leo Loved to travel, but only if he could drive there. He had a Lance Camper and a Dual Wheel Chevy truck and he and Tina took many memorable road trips including a road trip to Anchorage, Alaska. Leo loved taking long trips but he also had many local camping adventures where Willie could join him and Tina for campfires and smores making.
Leo was a gentle soul; He was loved by people and animals throughout the world.
When driving past a veteran's monument, any monument in any town, city or state - no matter how small the monument, Leo would ALWAYS salute. When asked by Tina why he always did that he said, "Well Tina, someday when I go up yonder I know that all of those boys will be standing there saluting me back."
Calling hours will be held in the Isabelle and Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg on Tuesday, September 26, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Tina and Willie have asked that any donations in Leo's memory be made to Clear Path for Veterans, 84 Antietam Street, Devens, MA 01434.