Paul "Jesse" Rodman

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Paul Marshall Rodman, known to friends and family as Jesse, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, one day before his 82nd birthday, in Dunedin, FL.

Jesse was born on July 20, 1944, on Fairfield Airbase in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up in Springfield and Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He was the son of Dr. Robert and Phyllis Rodman, and the older brother of Linda (Rodman) Cohn. He attended UMass Amherst, where he played lacrosse, worked on the college newspaper and served as a late-night radio DJ. After college, he spent time in Boston and New York City before moving to upstate New York where he met his wife, Sandi. Together, they raised four children in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois before moving to Florida in 2005.

Jesse had a keen intellect and wit, and was a thoughtful and meticulous editor. He was rarely the most talkative person in the room, but when he spoke, he made it count. He had a one-liner for every occasion, often in Latin (“illegitimi non carborundum” was a favorite), which he studied in school. He had a successful career in hotel franchise consulting, which stemmed from working as a carpenter and then contractor building hotels across Ohio. While he spent most of his career in a suit and tie, weekends usually found him returning to his roots, skillfully working on various home renovation projects. He took great pride in bringing beauty to spaces in need of an update.

He had a deep and quiet sense of duty and empathy. He found great meaning in Jewish teachings and tradition, leading Shabbat dinners and holidays with command and insight. When he could, he performed the mitzvah of matan b'seter (giving in secret), helping others without claiming credit. In his later years, he enjoyed participating in prayer services and communal gatherings at his synagogue, and spent time serving as a shomer, a volunteer who watches over a deceased person from death until burial.

Jesse found joy in many everyday activities. He loved music of all kinds, from classical to Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan, was a diehard Red Sox fan, and had a deep affinity for Italian food and wine. He enjoyed a good book, particularly historical tomes. An adept sailor, Jesse spent many happy summers sailing his boat, Jester’s Joy, on Lake Michigan with friends and family. More than anything, he delighted in his family, relishing his role as Poppa to his five grandchildren, all of whom adored him.

Jesse was predeceased by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife, Sandi Rodman of St. Petersburg, FL, and his children, Tami (Dave) Pinsker of Buffalo Grove, IL; Rachel (William) Gorman of Holiday, FL; Dash Rodman (Deb Cades) of Bozeman, MT; and Danielle (Sean) Shoolbraid of Berkeley Heights, NJ; and his beloved grandchildren, Delia, Sadie, Will, Eli, and Gabby.

Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, July 24, at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 12905 Wild Acres Road, Largo. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone in need.

Condolences for the family can be left in the guestbook below.

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, Largo Florida are serving the family.