Rodney F. Mansfield
Rodney F. Mansfield, 80, of Wells, ME, died peacefully on June 8, 2011, at his summer home after a sudden and short battle with cancer.
Rodney was born March 24, 1931, in Fitchburg, MA, the son of Willis F. Mansfield and Marjorie I. (Whitney) Mansfield. Rodney graduated from UNH Durham with a Bachelor’s Degree and later obtained his Masters Degree from Colorado University and a Certificate of advanced studies (CAGF) from Harvard University.
After graduation Rodney taught at the Merrimac High School in Merrimac, MA as well as the Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, NH. He later worked for the State Department of Education in Colorado. Rodney also taught at Wheelock College in Boston, MA, and was the Principal of Burlington High School in Burlington, MA. Rodney was the Director of Education at the Museum of Science in Boston, MA, under the direction of Brad Washburn, during which time he traveled to Africa and spent time with Richard Leaky. He was also the Assistant Superintendant of the Merrimack/Bedford school system, and worked for the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC after receiving the NSF Award for Excellence in Science Education. Rodney later resumed teaching chemistry at Merrimack High School in Merrimack, NH. He strove to educate and enrich the lives and minds of people around him. To further this goal, Rodney created the RISE project with grant money he received from the federal government. This project focused on improving math and science education in NH. Rodney received many awards in science and education.
Rodney was also an avid theater and music lover. He founded the Mischaum Choral society in Woburn, MA, and the NH Gay Men’s Chorus as well as the Greeley singers in Pelham, NH and was the director of the Barnstormers Men’s Chorus for fourteen years. He was active in the Greater Lowell Theater with his most significant role being Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha.” He was also a member of the New Ipswich Masons and the United Church of Christ Congregational Church in both Burlington MA, and Pelham, NH. He also did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels in Bradenton, FL. Gardening, science, education, and theater and music remained important parts of his life as well as his Sunday crossword puzzles.
Rodney is survived by a son, Mark Mansfield of New Ipswich, NH, and two daughters, Beth M. Kennedy of Milford, NH, and Sylvia Mansfield and her partner James M. Beach of Amherst, NH; a brother, Douglass Mansfield; three grandchildren, Nichol, Zac, and Nik; close nephew, Rodger Lindros of Atlanta, GA; close friends Ervin Benson and Ron Luongo; Ex-wife Sally (Stuart) Mansfield; and his Partner in Life of forty years, Robert Halle. They would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Beacon Hospice House in Maine. Rodney was predeceased by his sisters Madeline Mansfield and Virginia Lindros, and a brother, Robert Mansfield.
Rodney’s family ancestry was very important to him, and his family has enjoyed the many stories he shared with them.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund in Rodney’s name at Merrimack High School. The scholarship is to be given to a needy student entering post-secondary education in either a scientific or musical field of study. Donations can be submitted to: Ken Johnson, Principal, Merrimack High School, 38 McElwain Street, Merrimack, NH, 03054.
Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, June 13, 2011, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM in the Michaud Funeral Home chapel, 32 Maple St., Wilton, NH. A church service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at 11:00 am at the New Ipswich Congregational Church in New Ipswich, NH, followed by a committal service at Central Cemetery in New Ipswich, NH. The arrangements are in the care of the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton, NH. To view an online obituary or leave a condolence, please visit our Web site at www.michaudfuneralhome.com.