Rodney Jarvis Ferris

Rodney was born on October 2, 1957, at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, to the late Rodney Jarvis Ferris, Sr., and Natalie Kingsley Neville. After his father retired from the United States Air Force, Rodney spent his early years in Worcester and subsequently Holden, MA. Rodney attended Faye School and graduated in 1976 from Bancroft School in Worcester, MA, where he cultivated lasting friendships that would form the backbone of his social circle throughout his life.

Rodney volunteered at the Worcester Animal Rescue League in 1976 and the Holden Fire Department from 1977 through 1985. Rodney furthered his service in the community through roles with Worcester Himmer Ambulance. Rodney's passion for public safety led him to coursework at Montgomery College, Troy University, and Quinsigamond Community College.

Inspired by his father’s service in the Air Force, Rodney extended his commitment to public safety in 1978 by joining the USAF as well. Rodney specialized in fire and emergency safety while attached to the 1st Special Operations Wing Tactical Air Command, 834 Civil Engineering Squadron (Crash / Rescue Specialists) at Eglin AFB in Florida. While in the USAF, Rodney participated in an emergency support role during the Iranian Hostage Crisis (1981) and other confidential operations. He received an honorable discharge in 1983.

Rodney then relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland, and continued his community service as a volunteer firefighter at Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department Station 16. It was here that he met the love of his life, Virginia "Ginny" Leister. The couple married on November 26, 1994, and welcomed two children: Noelle (1997) and Alexander (2000).

Rodney worked with several sprinkler companies and became a Certified Fire Protection Specialist at Guardian Fire Protection from 1992 to 2000. Thereafter, he embraced the role of a stay-at-home dad, affectionately titling himself the "Director of Human Relations and Child Development at Ferris Industries."

A dedicated member of the Architectural and Environmental Review Committee of his neighborhood association for over two decades, Rodney's meticulous attention to detail enhanced the beauty of the Burtonsville community. Rodney was known to be a fair and thoughtful arbiter of controversy among the residents of over 400 housing units in their community.

Rodney had a particular passion for tracking weather events, something he shared with his daughter Noelle. Rodney also passed on his love of movies to his son, Alex. Rodney’s love for a wide array of music genres brought joy and cohesion to his family.

Known for his devoted fatherhood, playful nature, and remarkable sense of humor—which often manifested in historical trivia and his daily "Ferris Fun-Filled-Fact-of-the-Day" —Rodney left an indelible imprint on all who knew him.

Rodney is survived by his devoted wife Virginia “Ginny”; their children Noelle and Alex; his brothers Dakin, Timothy, and Bradley; as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews–notably including his cherished Aunt Wendy Greeney and "adopted" sister Susan Russell. Rodney was predeceased by his parents, a stillborn son, Benjamin, and his adored childhood Dalmatian, Skipper.