Obituaries

Community Pays Respect to "Jitters," Calling Hours Today

Don was a Newport Police Auxiliary Officer in the 1960's as well as a traffic aide for over twenty years, a retired NETC Police Officer and DARE Officer.

Donald “Jitters” F. Roderick, 84, of Newport, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Rhode Island Hospital Providence, RI.

He was the husband of Trudy Nihart Roderick.

Born in Newport, RI on March 13, 1930, he was the son of the late William and Dorothy (Bliven) Roderick.

Don was a Newport Police Auxiliary Officer in the 1960’s as well as a traffic aide for over twenty years, a retired NETC Police Officer and DARE Officer.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Teri-Lee Nihart of Middletown, RI, Mickey Trainor of Florida, Danny Trainor of California, Deborah Viana of Florida, and Donna Witkowski of California, his sisters, Dorothy Roderick of Newport, RI and Elizabeth Cook of Portsmouth, RI, and five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

“Jitters” as he was known, was a lifelong Newporter and respected pillar of the community and will be fondly missed by many. He had a passion for softball and basketball which he continued to play well into his 70’s. Don also loved karaoke, Frank Sinatra songs being his favorite to perform.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, from 4-8pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.

All other services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Trudy Nihart Roderick, 14 Canonicus Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.


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