Rodney Paul Herold

Beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Rodney Paul Herold passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 84. He was born on April 29, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, to Henry Herold and Annette Boyer. The youngest of three boys, he enjoyed fishing, birding, and road-tripping with his family to each of the Lower 48 states.

After graduating from Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle, he entered the Jesuit seminary. As part of his Jesuit training, he earned a master's degree from Boston College and developed a love of teaching and creative problem solving.

He spent much of his career as a math and physics teacher, always looking for ways to bring the real world into the classroom. Over the years he also worked as a contractor, career center specialist, slideshow producer, and community organizer. Rodney remained committed to the Rainier Valley neighborhood, serving first as the executive director of SESCO (the South End Seattle Community Organization) and later as a cofounder of Black & Tan Hall. His many pursuits reflected his curiosity, his strong sense of community, and his desire to leave things better than he found them.

Rodney was kind-hearted and always willing to lend a helping hand. He never shied away from fixing something just because he didn't yet know how. Legend has it that he once re-roofed a house with a how-to book open beside him on the roof. He was a dedicated bicyclist, well known for commuting in all weather while wearing neon coveralls and multiple flashing lights. He also enjoyed collecting maps and slide rules, annotating the American Heritage Dictionary, and saving things that "might be useful later."

Above all, he loved his family. He was a devoted father, always ready to take on a new project, help with homework, and go on adventures with his daughter.

In his final years, as he faced advancing dementia, he was lovingly cared for at Richmond Senior Care in Shoreline, Washington.

Rodney was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, James and Bernard Herold. He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Oswald-Herold, and her husband, Arjun Subramanian; his grandchildren, Sophia and Andreas Subramanian; and his longtime friend and former spouse, Barbara Oswald.

Rodney will be remembered as a lifelong learner and a troublemaker for peace. His years of teaching and service touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He will be laid to rest at Holyrood Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.