Obituary of Jack Rodeawald

Jack Raymond Joseph Rodeawald passed away peacefully on July 25, 2014, at the Community Medical Center in Toms River at the age of 82. Born in Trenton, N.J., he grew up on Lamberton Street and spent most of his life on Home Avenue before moving to Whiting, N.J. Always of service to others, Jack fought in the Korean War, then joined the Trenton Police Department, where he served on the city's first K-9 unit before moving on to become Detective, Sergeant and then Lieutenant, retiring in 1987. Known as "Sarge" and "Hoagie Jack" from his years in the police force, Jack was, as one of his friends would say, a "unique individual." His stories from his early Lamberton Street days, the war and the police force could keep friends and family laughing for hours. He was immortalized as Hoagie Jack in a play at Passage Theatre in Trenton, where the actor playing him bore an uncanny resemblance to the young Jack, and the female Theatre Director played his fear-inducing German shepherd Chang. Jack was an avid runner, weightlifter and tennis player. For many years, he wouldn't miss his Sunday tennis date with his buddy Al, bringing a broom to sweep off the court on snowy days. After moving to Whiting, he took up carving, painting and shuffleboard with equal enthusiasm. Even after suffering a stroke, Jack lived life to the fullest. Predeceased by his parents, Mary and William, brother William, and daughter Lynne; Jack is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Pat Rodeawald and her husband Jim Ambrosio; son Jack and his wife Jenna; daughter Michelle Lebo and her husband Guy; the light of his life, granddaughter Casey "the babe" Lebo; sisters Mary Joan Mazzoccoli and her husband Sal and Cynthia Grove and her husband Bruce; niece Laura and nephews Anthony and Jonathan. Jack will be remembered in a private memorial service at a later date. For friends and family wishing to remember him, donations may be made to Companions of St. Anthony, 12300 Folly Quarter, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.