William Michael Rodier, 24, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 9th. Born in Melrose and raised in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Will is the beloved son of Christopher and Amy (Ducker) Rodier, brother of Olivia Rodier, and long-term partner, Lea Guimont.
Will was known to many as a gentle giant with a heart of gold. To know him was to love him, and to be loved by him. He had a kindness and warmth that made people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Will was selfless in many ways, often finding happiness in doing the things the people he loved enjoyed. Will was an incredible son, brother, and friend, who loved his family deeply, and protected them fiercely.
Will spent his early days on Rosedale Ave with his sister, Olivia, and his cousins, Doug, Dan, and Dede, all raised as siblings. You would most likely find them organizing a game of manhunt with the neighborhood kids or taking a walk downtown to get toys at Zak's.
Will graduated from Manchester Essex Regional High School, where he played football for the Hornets, alongside some of his lifelong friends he knew since their Shore Nursery pre-school days. These boys were more than classmates, teammates, and friends. They were brothers.
He went on to attend Plymouth State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and was a member and president of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. During his time at Plymouth, Will built many lasting friendships, made endless memories, and best of all, met the love of his life. Will hoped to one day become a police officer; he worked hard and was focused on building a future for himself and the people he loved.
Will shared four years with his partner and soulmate, Lea Guimont of Bedford, New Hampshire. Together, they built a life and looked forward to the future they planned to share. Will became part of Lea's family, too. Her parents, Jeff and Linda Guimont, considered him the son they never had, and her siblings and extended family loved him as one of their own.
Will had a lifelong passion for sports, particularly football. He was a devoted fan of Boston sports, especially the New England Patriots, and loved sharing his passion for the game with his friends and family. Will has participated in a fantasy football league for over a decade with his closest friends; he was always finding a way to make game day more exciting.
Those who knew Will could picture him in his Boston Red Sox fitted hat and sweats, playing video games or spending time with his friends near and far. He was always laughing and enjoyed being around the people he loved.
His closeness to the town of Manchester is hard to put into words, but is felt by all who knew him and loved him in our incredibly tight community. His presence here was monumental, literally. Whether he offered you a friendly wave in the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot, or a bear hug at the Legion, seeing Will Rodier made your day better.
In addition to his parents, Christopher and Amy, his sister, Olivia, and his partner Lea, Will leaves behind his grandmothers, Dorothy Rodier of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, Carmen Ducker of Lynn, MA, and Doreen Ducker of Seabrook, NH, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that he cared for deeply. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Robert Ducker and Douglas Rodier and his God Mother, Adrienne Doucette.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, October 21st, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, Massachusetts. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 22nd, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 62 School Street,
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. There will be a gathering to follow at the Manchester American Legion, where Will spent extensive time bartending and connecting with his community.
