On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Francis (Frank) Henry Roddy Jr., loving husband and father of seven children, passed away at the age of 93. Frank was born at St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, DE, on January 20, 1930 to parents Francis and Barbara (Doherty) Roddy.
Frank was a graduate of Christ Our King School, Salesianum School, and the University of Delaware. Frank was an accomplished athlete at Salesianum, especially in football, and was two times class President. Frank remained a dedicated Salesianum sports fan for his entire life and served for a time as President of the Salesianum Alumni Association.
During the Korean War, Frank served in the U.S Air Force, based at Luke AFB, Arizona. Two weeks after leaving active duty, Frank married the love of his life, Joan Romer, on July 18, 1953 at Sacred Heart Church in Wilmington, DE. Frank and Joan had met four years prior at a Saturday night dance at the YWCA.
Frank and Joan raised seven children, three daughters and four sons, first living in Bellefonte and then in North Wilmington. As a member of Holy Rosary and then Immaculate Heart of Mary parishes, Frank was a devoted Catholic, serving as an usher and lector at Sunday mass for many years. He was very proud of his Irish heritage, with both parents having emigrated from Ireland.
Frank worked weekends as a high school football official and for almost 20 years after retiring from a career in sales for the oil industry, Frank worked as a New Castle County crossing guard for the Brandywine School District at both Maple Lane Elementary and Brandywine High Schools.
Frank was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Phillip and daughter Rosemary. He is survived by his daughters Kathleen Marie Connor (Jack), Mary Francis Morris (John), and sons Christopher Philip (Deborah), Daniel (Robin), Matthew (Shannon) and Michael. He is also survived by his grandchildren Daniel Brake (Rebekah), Sean Connor (Jenna Oberstaller), Mallory Cepeda (Martin), Corinne Wurzbacher, Melanie Roddy, Ian Hunter Roddy (Ashley), Jack Roddy, Tyler Roddy, John Morris, Jr. (Jayne Dyson), Aiden Morris, Cole Matthew Roddy, Darragh Patrick Roddy, Giovanna Roddy and Juliette Roddy, and great-grandchildren Lauren Ticali and Emma Lynn Wurzbacher; Benjamin, Patrick, Joanna and Lucy Brake,; Mateo, Max and Marco Cepeda; and John Morris III, as well as nieces Barbara Carmack, MaryAnn Hunt, Patti Crowley, and Jeanie Roddy and their families.
An announcement regarding memorial services will be made at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Salesianum School, 1801 N Broom St, Wilmington, DE 19802.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
