Community Corner

UPDATED: Dedicated Fairfax Man, Pat Rodio, Dies

Rodio leaves behind a legacy of community service.

UPDATE (4:06 p.m.): Rodio's memorial will be held from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at on Main Street. The service will be at on Old Lee Highway on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Internment will follow the service at on Braddock Road.

---------------

Beloved and diligent Fairfax City community leader and neighbor Patrick A. Rodio passed away this weekend. 

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rodio had his hand in just about every Fairfax City civic organization and club since he moved here from New Jersey in 1957. Dedicated to his community, Rodio took a seat on the city council in 1984 and attended every single meeting until he stepped down 10 years later. 

"I was fortunate to have served with Pat Rodio for nearly five years, said councilman Scott Silverthorne. "Pat was the senior statesman, nearly 50 years older than I was. Always courteous, he also never shied away for giving me constructive advice when he felt it was necessary. He was a great local politician, but his true love was sports and coaching kids."

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He spent 10 active years with the Fairfax Little League, serving as president for part of the time, and nine with the Babe Ruth Baseball League. Rodio also helped out the Fairfax Police Youth Club and became an assistant scout master.

In 2002, the city remaned Keith Avenue Park after him as a nod to his years of service coaching baseball, mowing practice fields and dedicating his passion to the youth of Fairfax City.

"While I have many fond memories of him, the one that sticks out was from the last time I saw him," said councilman Dan Drummond. "I was with my two boys at Ratfcliffe Park and Pat had come to a picnic at the park. I stopped by to say hello and after chatting for a couple of minutes, he pointed to my boys and said that spending time with them was the most important thing I could do. It's great wisdom and was totally Pat - focusing on what was most important in life: our family, friends and community. He really embodied all of that."

Rodio was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, Fire and Rescue Services Task Force, St. Leo's Catholic Church, Optimist Club (he won their 1985-86 service award) and Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. He chaired the Fairfax City Republican Committee and helped transform Fairfax High School and aided in the creation of the memorial statue and amphitheater at City Hall.

Former Rep. Tom Davis spoke of Rodio's achievements to Virginia's House of Representatives in May 1996. A few days later, Rodio was honored by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce for his tireless efforts to better his community.

"Without question, Northern Virginia gained a loyal and devoted citizen when Mr. Rodio arrived in the city of Fairfax," Davis said. "We are extremely proud and honored to count him as one of our own and to have the opportunity to thank him for his years of service."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here