Penfield: July 12, 2018, at age 85.
Predeceased by his first wife, Mary Kay McCaffery Spring; parents,
Charles and Florence Spring; brothers, Reginald and Charles William. Survived by his loving wife
of fifty-three years, Virginia Holderbach Spring; daughter Katherine (David) Lesher; sons
Thomas (Meredith) and Tyler (Florence); grandsons Derek and Joel Lesher; granddaughters
Marlee Spring and Isabella Spring; sister, Elizabeth Pullen; sisters-in-law Carolyn (Ronald)
Adams and Mary Jane Spring as well as nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in East Rochester, Rodney earned a B.S. degree from SUNY Geneseo, M.A.
degree from Columbia University and an Ed.D. degree from the University of Rochester. During
his career, he taught at all levels of education and became an administrator in 1965. He served
as Superintendent of Schools for East Irondequoit; Clarke County, Athens, GA; Wayne Central
School District, Ontario, NY; and was later appointed interim Chief Operating Officer for the
Wayne Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES).
It had always been Rodney’s goal to make a positive difference in children’s lives through the
programs offered in the districts in which he was superintendent. During his thirty-seven years
in education, he was a leader in school improvement, mining the strengths of professional
members, raising learning expectations for all students, engaging community members in
decision-making. He was named to the National Council of Teacher Accreditation (NCATE),
served as a member of the NYS Superintendents’ Council, and the American Association of
School Superintendents.
Family was Rodney’s central focus, being a devoted son, father, brother and uncle. He
delighted in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren as well as in the lives of his
nieces and nephews. Always on a spiritual search, Rodney lived in awe of the wonder of God’s
creation.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Ocotber 14th, 2018 2:00PM at Fairport United Methodist Church where
Rodney has been an active member. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who wish to make a contribution in Rodney’s memory consider the men’s shelter Francis Center at www.cfcrochester.org
Comments
7 responses to “Spring, Rodney Dean, Ed.D.”
Ginny, My sister sent me the sad news this AM. I am so sorry to hear about Rodney’s death and I will be in touch. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know how difficult the journey is.
SORRY SO TO HEAR OF RODNEY’S DEATH OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU GINNY AND THE FAMILY I KNOW IT IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR YOU ALL WE WILL SURE MISS HIM THIS WINTER IN FLORIDA .
Ginny and Family. We were so sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. We think back to the many good times we had as neighbors and the wonderful time spent together at your cottage and in Florida. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you. Mike and Jan Semans
Ginny, I was indeed sorry to learn of Rod’s death; he was so solicitous when Duane died, and now you are a member of a club we didn’t plan to join. My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Ginny,
Thoughts and prayers for you in this challenging time for you and your family. I valued my friendship with Rod, whether it be in the education profession or at the euchre table in the Eastridge faculty room.
Ginny,
As a retired Wayne Central teacher, I want to extend sincere sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. My husband, Bob, and I shared a deep respect for Rod during his tenure at Wayne.
Doreen
He was a true friend to our family. God bless his family.