MINOT – Rodney J. Santos, much-loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021 at his home.
Rodney was born in New Bedford, Mass., on Sept. 13, 1941, the son of Cora A. (Auclair) and John Santos. After graduating from Holy Family High School in New Bedford, Mass., in 1959, he joined the Air Force, serving as a medic at Otis Air Force Base.
Rodney married Gail Fricker, also of New Bedford, in 1963. The pair had two children, Robin and Douglas. While working to support his family, Rodney also attended New Bedford Technical College, where he earned a B.S. degree. He was the first person in his family to achieve an upper-level degree. He later earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Connecticut.
Rodney was recruited by Globe Albany, later TexTech, and the family moved briefly to New York before settling in Durham, Conn. At Globe Albany, Rodney held several executive positions. His TexTech responsibilities entailed many trips around the U.S. and abroad. In the early 1980s, he switched gears and struck out on his own, settling in Minot and becoming a certified financial planner.
In Maine, Rodney was very involved in his local community, serving as both a selectman and an assessor for the town of Minot. He joined Tyrian Lodge #73AF & AM, becoming a 32nd degree Mason as well as serving as Master in 1996 and for several years was lodge treasurer. Rodney was Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 23rd Masonic District 2000-2002. He was a Shriner and a member of the Kora Temple, where he served as the temple’s treasurer for several years. He was a member of the Scottish Rites, Valley of Androscoggin and Portland.
Upon his retirement, he and Gail purchased a motor home and traveled around the country, often with their grandson Nicholas Santos. Rodney especially enjoyed sitting on the beach with a good book, a cold beer, and a fine cigar. He loved music of all sorts, and attended dozens of live concerts. Rodney and Gail decided to move to warmer climes and purchased a home in Wimauma, Fla. During the Covid pandemic, they moved back to Minot to stay with Douglas and his wife Judy.
Rodney was hard working and valued honesty, integrity, knowledge, and learning above all things. He was a history buff, Yankees fan, and staunch conservative. Rodney always placed his family first, and for more than 10 years he served as Gail’s primary caretaker during her long illness. His friends will remember his charm, sharp wit, and good humor. He will be sorely missed by those who love him.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Gail; his daughter, Robin and her husband Robert of Freeport, his son, Douglas and his wife Judith of Minot; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Friday, Jan. 14, at 12 p.m., at Rural Cemetery, New Bedford, Mass. Family and friends may call at the Chandler Funeral Home, 26 West Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. Public Masonic services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimers Association
of Maine,
383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C,
Scarborough, ME 04074
or other charity
of your choice