Lionel “Rod” Rodrigue

ORR’S ISLAND, MAINE – Lionel “Rod” Rodrigue passed away peacefully at home on Orr’s Island surrounded by family on November 5, 2021 at the age of 79 after a long illness. Rod was a longtime resident of Lewiston where he married his high school sweetheart Diane (Rancourt) in 1962. After graduating from Gorham State Teachers’ College, Rod spent over ten years as a physical education teacher, coach, and mentor in the Lewiston school system helping shape and mold countless young people. In 1969, Rod and Diane founded Maine Awards / Rogue Wear. Over the course of decades, they built a thriving nationwide business while never abandoning their Lewiston roots. In his later years, Rod was happiest being close to the sea while spending time between Orr’s Island, Maine and Marco Island, Florida where he partnered with Diane on a very successful real estate business. Family always remained his top priority and greatest joy. Rod was a member of the legendary undefeated 1960 Lewiston High School Basketball team that won a state championship and made a dramatic appearance in the New England Basketball Championships in Boston Garden. For his athletic accomplishments and contributions, Rod was selected to the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 along with his teammates and the USM Husky Hall of Fame in 2019.Ever the loving husband and father, Rod leaves behind his wife of 59 years Diane, his son Mark and wife Debbie (Grenier) of Lewiston, his daughter Susan and husband Kevin Mulligan of Norton, Massachusetts; granddaughters Kelsey and husband Chris Boucher of Lewiston, Kirby and husband Dustin Oberlander currently residing in South Bend, Indiana, Bridget Mulligan of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Cammie Mulligan currently studying in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Patrice Mulligan currently studying in San Luis Obispo California; and two great-grandchildren Benny and Stella Boucher of Lewiston. Rod is also survived by his brothers Maurice and his wife Monique, Roch and his wife Nancy, and Paul. Rod was pre-deceased by his parents Roland and Luciana (Boucher).Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 12th from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Pinette, Dillingham, & Lynch Funeral Home at 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul (Upper Church), 122 Ash Street, Lewiston on Saturday, November 13th at 11:00 AM. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com .Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Special Olympics Maine at125 John Roberts Road, Suite 5,South Portland, ME 04106.