Gordon J. Roderick

Gordon J. Roderick, 74, of Manchester, loving husband for 35 years to the late Renate M. (Keller) Roderick, peacefully passed away on Thursday, (October 13, 2011) at Manchester Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his caring family. Born in Bournemouth, England on June 6, 1937, a son of the late Leopold and Jean (McCallum) Roderick, he had resided in Manchester for the past 47 years. Having spent most of his professional career in the hospitality arena, Gordon started as a waiter on the Cunard Cruise Lines with the Merchant Navy in England. After arriving in Manchester he was employed as a Maitre d' at Cavey's Restaurant in Manchester, the ""Rib Room"" at the Sonesta Hotel in Hartford, the Goodwin Hotel in Hartford, and the Nutmeg Restaurant in East Windsor. After retiring as a Maitre d', he worked as a Security Guard at Securitas Security in East Windsor. An avid sportsman, Gordon enjoyed golf and was a member of Minnechaug Golf Course in Glastonbury, as well as being a loyal fan of soccer, the New York Yankees, The New York Giants and the Hartford Whalers. A talented musician (especially of Jazz), Gordon was a drummer with a band in England and on Cruise Ships, who also composed songs. Gordon is survived by his two devoted daughters, Karen J. D'Attilio and her husband, Anthony, of East Hartford, Heather J. Baker and her husband, Todd, of Southington; two wonderful grandchildren, Erika D'Attilio and Alex J. D'Attilio both of East Hartford. He also leaves two sisters, Heather Norwood and her husband, Arthur, of Manchester, and Carroll Roderick in England; his mother-in-law, Sophie (Keller) Weiss, a brother-in-law, Michael Weiss and his wife, Tina, all of Deltona, FL; several nieces, nephews, friends, former co-workers, and customers.

Funeral services will be Sunday (October 16, 2011) with a celebration of Gordon's life at 5 p.m. at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with Rev. Al Turner officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. Memorial contributions in Gordon's name may be made to VNA & Health Services of CT - Hospice, 8 Keynote Drive, Vernon, CT 06066. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.