He was born in Bristol, CT on September 15, 1944 to Lucien and Lorraine (Soucy) Kirouac. He attended Bristol Schools before earning a BA at Adelphi’s University in Long Island, NY.
Rodney was a gentle and genius mind who loved to learn. He love sailing, woodworking, history, and his dog Cody. He was an advocate for literacy and devoted a lot of time teaching students how to read. He was always up for a project, once equipping his vehicle to run on grease. He would travel the local restaurants to collect their grease to fuel his car. Rod loved conversation and his quick wit and humor would often engage everyone he would encounter.
Rod began his career at Travelers Insurance in Human Resources. His success led him to other companies, Singer Company, Sony America, and finally Boston Scientific as a Director of Compensation, where he retired in 2004. Rodney was a great leader with a big heart who was always eager to teach, allowing his employees and colleagues to shine.
Throughout their travels, Rod and Claire collected neighborhoods the way most collected Friends. He brought people together and they remain “Family” to this day.
Rodney is predeceased by his parents, Lorraine (Soucy) Kirouac and Lucian Kirouac.
Rod is survived by his beloved wife Claire Baker Kirouac. He is also survived by his sister Elaine (Kirouac) Erdman of Ivoryton, his nephew Glenn Erdman, wife Amy, of Eastchester, NY, his nieces Taylor Erdman of Eastchester and Madison Erdman of Eastchester, NY. He will be missed by his, step son David Cleary, wife Theresa Cleary, of Milford NH, his step daughter Deborah Carr, husband Rich Carr, of Columbia, PA, his Brother in law, Tom Baker, and sister in law Arlene Baker Pearlman and husband Phil Pearlman. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren, Kevin Cleary of Milford NH, Rebecca Cleary, of Milford NH, Dylan Carr of Columbia PA, and many wonderful cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you Pay it Forward. If there is someone in need, help them and be kind. That was who Rodney was, a helper.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, June 27 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, with a short service of remembrance from 7:00pm to 7:30pm at Swan Funeral Home, located at 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT.
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