Lawrence Rodic

RODIC, LAWRENCE. “Larry” passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2009, after a brief, but courageous fight with cancer. Age 62. Loving fiancée of “sweetie” Cindy Jackson. Dearest father of Sherriann (Michael) Flynn and Jeffrey (fiancée Melissa). Brother of Marlene Pasternak (Larry). Proud and loving “Grandpa Gorilla” of Ashley and Mia Flynn. Caring uncle of Michael and Paul Pasternak. Best friend from high school and fishing buddy of Thomas (Mary) Kaimala. Predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Jennie Rodic. Larry recently retired from the Chrysler Corporation after 42 years of service. He started his career on the production line at Lynch Road Assembly Plant. After two year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War. He continued to enjoy a friendship with two of his fellow soldiers, Ronnie Robinson from Hamilton, OH and Doug Odle, from Morgantown, KY. After his discharge, he returned to Chrysler. Because of his skills as a Vehicle Build-up Technician/Mechanic and recognized solid work ethic, he was chosen to be part of the selective Advance Model Line-Up group at Clairpointe Assembly. There were many trips to the Proving Grounds in Scottsdale, AZ where he was involved in driving the future models undercover through the desert while the paparazzi was trying to get photos. This was the fun part, but he spent many hours into the night working on these vehicles. He then transferred to Highland Park to Road Test and finally to Build-Up at Chrysler Center, Auburn Hills. His last years at Chrysler were spent traveling around the United States and Europe as part of the International Press Preview team. Larry will be greatly missed by his co-workers. In 1972, he became co-owner with his father of Rodic’s Bar in Hamtramck. He continued that joint partnership for 15 years while continuing to work at Chrysler. Larry’s favorite words were “take a break,” although he seldom did. But when he did, he went to Las Vegas to spend some of the hard-earned money – but never foolishly. Larry was an avid fisherman since childhood and fulfilled his dream with a move to a home off the North Channel, Lake St. Clair. He was only a few streets away from his best friend, Tom, and they enjoyed many fishing adventures together. Larry will be greatly missed by his many friends, caring neighbors, and family.

Lawrence Rodic

August 30, 1946 - August 1, 2009