The Life of Rodney L. Sr. Pickett
On Wednesday, July 1st, 2020, Our Lord called His faithful servant, Rodney L. Pickett Sr. home. Rodney loved life but most of all, he loves God.
Rodney was born on February 10th, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rodney was raised in South Philadelphia by his mother Bernice Pickett and his maternal grandmother, Alberta Hartzog. He grew up in the church and contributes his views of life to his maternal grandmother, Alberta. He always said, “these are grandma’s hands and I will not fail”.
Under the tutelage of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Alberta, Rodney grew to be a man loved and respected by many. He often spoke about how he never learned how to "out slick" the Nuns or Alberta. Rodney went on to graduate from St. Tommy Moore. And after working odd jobs, he finally joined the U.S. Army, where he served two tours in Vietnam. After being discharged from the Army, he eventually found work on the Docks and became a member of the International Longshoreman's Association Local 1291.
Rodney was committed to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, where he served as an usher, Knights of Peter Claver #320, and an assistant Sacristan until the church closed. He then offered his services to Monsignor Corley, a long-time friend, and the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Darby, PA, where he eventually joined The Knights of Columbus.
To his friends and colleagues, he was better known as Ronnie. His personality, generosity, and love of good old fashion fun attracted a myriad of friends. He could make you smile or reconsider your actions with just one look as he shared his tidbits of wisdom.
Rodney leaves to mourn a wife he adored Annette, five children he loved dearly Rodney Jr, Chalea, Elizabeth, Lloyd, and Jonathan. His grand-children Isaiah (who pre-deceased him), Rahnique, Maureese, Hatuma, and Mercedes, one great-grandchild Peyton, and one yet to come; two wonderful sisters Tanya (family historian) and Carol (the peacekeeper), a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love. Ronnie will be missed by many.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Saturday, July 11, 2020 from 9:30-10:30am at the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 1101 Main Street, Darby, PA 19023. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30. Burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.
**In our due diligence to keep the family safe, those planning on attending the services will be asked to adhere to the current social distancing guidelines and also wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions to a Memorial Fund in Rodney's Memory, c/o Annette Pickett, PO Box 5194, Yeadon, PA 19050.