Edward H. Rodier Jr., 84, of Granite Springs, New York, previously of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and Bedford, New York, passed away surrounded by love.
Born in 1942, in Kingston, New York, Ed lived a full and active life defined by hard work, independence, loyalty, and a deep devotion to the people he cared about.
Ed had a lifelong passion for cars and racing, spending many memorable years at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, where he also worked as a driving instructor. He loved sailing throughout New England and the Caribbean, scuba diving, swimming in his backyard pool in Old Saybrook, and taking family trips to Lake George.
Before retiring, Ed owned Outdoor Maintenance Service and a paving company. Earlier in life, he worked in the automobile business alongside his father at the Chrysler dealership Rodier Rooney in White Plains, New York. He later owned Car Barn and Rodier Motors.
Ed could fix almost anything and took pride in doing things himself. He was self-reliant, resourceful, and never afraid of hard work. More importantly, he was extraordinarily dependable. Whether it was one of his siblings, his grandchildren, his wife Catherine, his employees, or someone else who needed help, when Ed received the call, he responded. People knew they could count on him.
That reliability was one of the greatest gifts he gave the people around him. He was the person who showed up, the person who helped solve the problem, and the person who could be depended upon when it mattered most.
Ed was also a fighter right up until the end. In keeping with his larger-than-life personality, he even claimed to have once stepped into the boxing ring with Mike Tyson — a story that may never be completely confirmed, but one that perfectly captures the spirit, humor, and toughness with which Ed approached life.
Above all, Ed will be remembered for the life he built, the people he helped, and the family he loved. His strength, work ethic, loyalty, and willingness to always be there for others leave a lasting legacy in everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Rodier; his three children, Dean Rodier, Christine Levine, and Brad Rodier; his grandchildren, Sabrina Rodier and Michael Levine; and his siblings, Patricia Quast and Germaine Fritz.
He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Rodier.
Ed will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
