Rodney J. Laurendeau

Rodney Joseph Laurendeau, 71, died while tending his gardens at his home in Springvale on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Rodney was born at Goodall Hospital on December 7, 1953, to Leo Joseph Laurendeau and Rose Lima (Grubb) Laurendeau, both of whom he greatly admired.

Rodney was raised Catholic and remained committed to his faith throughout his life. He was a communicant of Notre Dame Parish where he attended elementary school. He attended High School at St. Ignatius until it closed in 1969, and continued his education at Wells High School, where he participated in musicals such as My Fair Lady and Carousel, landing the leading role as Jigger Craigan. Rodney always had a knack for the theatrics and was really quite good at it. He was an ardent supporter of the arts and had a great love for music, especially his beloved Beatles.

Rodney was a proud Mainer and cherished his childhood on Loon Pond. A master storyteller, he often donned his distinct Maine accent and entertained all who would listen with stories about Maine and living on Loon Pond, conveying his love of all things Maine and contributing to his vast collection of loons.

However, his passion was History where he was extremely well versed. He loved reading and learning. He was most often found with either a book, newspaper, or magazine in his hand. He was extremely well read and a very intelligent man. In later years, his proud father would say of him, “THAT RODNEY, HE KNOWS EVERYTHING!”, and he seemed to! His brothers would often joke that he was the smartest out of all his siblings. However, Rodney didn’t think of himself that way. As a truly intelligent person, he was humbly aware of how much he didn’t know. Rodney took his knowledge and passion and attended the University of Maine in Orono, where he majored in History and Political Science, another true passion of his. A proud graduate, he was known to randomly belt out the verses of the Maine Stein song unabashedly.

Rodney was known by many as “Coach” or “Father Rod”. Rodney made many couples’ wedding days a little more special by marrying them as their chosen Justice of the Peace. He loved football and spent 13 years coaching the “Orange Crush” football team, starting with his son, Todd, and his nephews along with many other young athletes from the Sanford/Springvale community. The football presented to him by those he coached remains prominently displayed in “Rodney’s Room”; the one room he had in his house (he would continually say).

Rodney went on to spend much of his free time cheering on his children, grandchildren and great nieces and nephews at all of their sporting events. Most other times he spent quietly puttering around his ponds and beautiful flower gardens where you never knew where you would see an adorable fairy hanging out. Rodney worked at Genest helping people create beautiful hardscapes, retiring in November of 2024. Rodney adored his family and greatly enjoyed sports and spending time in his gardens.

A strong, proud and dedicated Democrat, he would respectfully question and debate those on the other side of the aisle. He was deeply concerned, and had great love for our country.

He married the “Love of His Life,” Deborah Simpson Roberge on April 4, 1987, at Notre Dame Church in Springvale, and they were happily married for 38 years. Debbie had two children previously: Heather Ann and Todd William Roberge. Though not biologically his own, they were in every aspect to him, his daughter and son and he loved them, and they him.

Rodney was in every sense, a great man. He had a profound impact on the lives of those who knew and loved him. He was a loving husband to his dear wife, and father to his children. He was a wonderful brother and uncle, and a true friend to all that knew him. Here are some of the words that came across the internet from those who knew and love him:

“Love you HotRod, love your favorite son”
“Rodney was such a Good and Kind man”
“I thought a lot of him. He was such a Kind and Sweet Soul”
“Rodney always made me laugh. He will be missed” (from two separate people).
“I am so heart-broken over the loss of my dear friend”
“I am so sorry to hear about Rodney. My heart aches”
“I am shocked and saddened”

Rodney was a charismatic, kind, giving and very loveable person, making friends easily, and being a true friend to all. He cared deeply for people, especially the poor working man/woman as well as the sick and needy. He was in every sense of the word, a champion for their cause. He will be dearly missed, and not soon forgotten. His motto in life: “ANYTHING WORTH DOING, IS WORTH OVERDOING”

Rodney is predeceased by his parents, Leo and Rose Laurendeau, his oldest brother, Joseph Francis “Billy” Melanson, and his dear wife Jacqueline Joyce (Duprez) Melanson, and their son, Brian John Melanson (nephew).

Survivors include; his dear wife Debbie, daughter Heather (David) Gale and granddaughter Hannah Gale of Amesbury, Massachusetts, son Todd Roberge and grandsons Keegan and Konnor Roberge of Wells, Maine, two younger brothers, Leo Paul (Sharla Dee Woodward) Laurendeau of Kaysville, Utah, and Thomas James (Diane Elaine Ryan) Laurendeau of Acton, Maine, nephew, Mark ( Laurie Flayhan) Melanson of Alfred, Maine, and many, many more nephews and nieces, all who loved him very much.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 1st at Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home located at 580 Main Street in Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 2nd at St. Therese of Lisieux, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford.