Bernard F. Roderick of Fairhaven passed away on 5/29/25. Submitted photo.
Bernard F. Roderick
April 1, 1937 – May 29, 2025
Bernard F. Roderick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.
Born on April 1, 1937, in New Bedford, Bernie grew up in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and was a proud graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1954. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and later a Doctorate from the New England School of Law. Though trained in law, his heart found its true calling in education.
Encouraged by friends who recognized his innate talent for teaching and leadership, Bernie began his educational career in 1968 as a science teacher at Hastings Middle School. His natural leadership was acknowledged when he became vice principal in 1972, principal of East Fairhaven Elementary School in 1975, and ultimately Superintendent of the Fairhaven School Department in 1990. He served as Superintendent for over a decade and continued contributing to the community after retirement by serving on the Fairhaven School Committee and various town committees.
Throughout his 32 years of service to Fairhaven schools, Bernie remained steadfast in his belief in the power and promise of education, and shaped the minds and hearts of students and colleagues alike. One of his most cherished professional accomplishments was the renovation and expansion of Fairhaven High School, a project that seamlessly united the school’s historic roots with a modern, state-of-the-art addition. In recognition of his tireless dedication to Fairhaven, the school library now bears his name.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret “Peggy” Roderick; his three children, John F. Roderick, Amy L. Roderick, and Mary M. Roderick along with her husband Eddie Saldana; and his cherished granddaughter, Kelli Brissette, and her husband Zachary Brissette. He also leaves behind many beloved furry, four-legged grandchildren who brought him great joy.
A man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and genuine kindness, Bernie lived a life centered around family, community, and service. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: hunting trips with his son John, Sunday breakfasts with his daughter Amy, sharing his love of musical theater with his daughter Mary, retreats to his camp in Maine, clamboils with family, and sneaking treats to the family pets. He especially loved planning and tending the summer garden with his wife Peggy.
Bernie often said, “Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do,” a philosophy he not only taught but lived by. His integrity, courage, compassion, and gentle guidance leave a legacy that will continue through the many lives he touched.
Calling hours are Friday, June 13, 2025 from 4-7 PM in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bernie’s memory be made to Operation Smile, MSPCA-Angell, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, causes that held a special place in his heart.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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