This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Rodney Kirouac, 74, of Old Saybrook passed away on May 2. He was the devoted husband of Claire Baker Kirouac for 40 years. He was born in Bristol on Sept. 15, 1944, to Lucien and Lorraine (Soucy) Kirouac. He attended Bristol schools before earning a BA at Adelphi University in Long Island, New York.

Rodney was a gentle and genius mind who loved to learn. He loved sailing, woodworking, history, and his dog Cody. He was an advocate for literacy and devoted a lot of time teaching students how to read. He was always up for a project, once equipping his vehicle to run on grease. He would travel the local restaurants to collect their grease to fuel his car. Rod loved conversation and his quick wit and humor would often engage everyone he would encounter.

Rod began his career at Travelers Insurance in human resources. His success led him to other companies, Singer Company, Sony America, and finally Boston Scientific as a director of compensation, where he retired in 2004. Rodney was a great leader with a big heart who was always eager to teach, allowing his employees and colleagues to shine.

Throughout their travels, Rod and Claire collected neighborhoods the way most collected friends. He brought people together and they remain “Family” to this day.

Rodney is predeceased by his parents Lorraine (Soucy) Kirouac and Lucian Kirouac. Rod is survived by his beloved wife Claire Baker Kirouac. He is also survived by his sister Elaine (Kirouac) Erdman of Ivoryton; his nephew Glenn Erdman, wife Amy, of Eastchester, New York; and his nieces Taylor Erdman and Madison Erdman of Eastchester, New York. He will be missed by his, stepson David Cleary, wife Theresa Cleary, of Milford New Hampshire; his stepdaughter Deborah Carr, husband Rich Carr, of Columbia, Pennsylvania; his brother-in-law, Tom Baker; and sister-in-law Arlene Baker Pearlman and husband Phil Pearlman. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren, Kevin Cleary of Milford, New Hampshire, Rebecca Cleary, of Milford, New Hampshire, and Dylan Carr of Columbia, Pennsylvania; and many wonderful cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you Pay it Forward. If there is someone in need, help them and be kind. That was who Rodney was, a helper.

A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, June 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a short service of remembrance from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, located at 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook.