Donald Wadsworth Rodger

Donald Wadsworth Rodger (Don) retired, age 80, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away on July 19, 2025 at home. He is predeceased by his parents, David and Muriel Weadon Rodger. Don was born in Brooklyn, and raised in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. He graduated from Peekskill Military Academy in New York and from Williams College in Massachusetts.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Day Rodger, of 23 years and his first wife, Kathleen Donnelly Rodger. Don has three sons, David, Michael and Steven who all reside in Kauai, Hawaii. He was a proud grandfather of five grandchildren, Oceana, Jack, Axel, Makai and Parker.

Don was awarded a swimming scholarship at Williams College as he was recognized as an AAU All American swimmer during High School. After graduating from Williams in 1966 he wanted to fulfill his desire to lead men in combat by joining the Marines as a 2nd Lieutenant. During this service in Viet Nam he was awarded The Silver Star for bravery and two Purple Hearts for injuries. Don was honorably discharged March 1970 as Captain. Don worked briefly for Vicks and was offered a Regional Sales Director position, but instead decided to join the FBI. As a Special Agent he served for 8 years in various cities, concluding in San Diego, CA.

During his forty years in San Diego, Don became a successful Real Estate Investor and owned many rental properties in the area. He enjoyed skiing at Mammoth, CA and Park City, Utah.

Don owned a 45 ft Symbol fishing vessel. He spent many days fishing and vacationing with his sons and friends in the waters off San Diego including Catalina and Baja.

Don and Nancy were sweethearts during their high school years and summer vacations at Highland Lakes, New Jersey. They were reunited in 2002 after forty years. They traveled to Alaska and across America in 4 motor coaches over the years. They decided to live in Palm Coast, Florida and San Diego part-time since 2004 and moved permanently to Palm Coast in 2010.

Don and Nancy enjoyed playing poker and duplicate and party bridge, biking, swimming, reading, creating a beautiful yard at their Grand Haven home and their love of Golden Retrievers especially Rascal, Mackerel and Salty.

Don was witty, charismatic, generous and loving husband and father. He will greatly missed.

Don and Nancy would like to thank the physicians at Palm Coast Advent Hospital and Advent Hospice. Don was a hero in Viet Nam, however, his exposure to toxic agents while serving caused his lymphoma, prostate and bone cancer which took his life.

A celebration of life for Don will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, 1:00pm at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home. Friends may gather beginning at noon. We expect he will be interred at one of San Diego’s National Military Cemeteries. Don would want any contributions in his memory be made to wounded warrior type of charities.