Donald F. Roden

Donald F. Roden, 90, of Westfield, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday November 29. 2016.
Donald's visitation will be on Thursday December 1st, from 2-4 and 7-9PM at Gray Funeral Directors, 318 E. Broad St., Westfield. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:15AM Friday December 2, 2016 at St. Helen Catholic Church, Westfield. Interment will follow at Fairmount Cemetery, Newark.

Donald was born October 17, 1926 in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan and grew up in the Bronx. He began teaching at the age of 20 and received a B.A. From Manhattan College. He later earned an M.A.from Seton Hall University and pursued doctoral studies at Fordham University. From 1958 to 1993 he taught at Seton Hall Preparatory School and from 1994 to 2006 at Oratory Preparatory School. At the age of 80 he began teaching at Union County College, which he continued until he turned 87. For many years he also taught at Seton Hall University. Over the course of his career, spanning 66 years in the classroom, he touched many lives.

Before moving to Westfield, he lived in Michigan, Newark, and Springfield.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Arlene; his son Dr. Frederick Roden, and his partner Dr. Joseph Portanova; and his granddog Hildegard. He is also survived by two brothers, Charles of Arizona and James of Maine, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was lovingly cared for by Dr. Paolo Salvatore and his friends Martha, Esther, and Edwin.

In lieu of flowers, contact a family member regarding a charity. To leave condolences please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com.