Willow Grove Family Man, 'D-Rod' To Friends, Passes Away at 41

WILLOW GROVE, PA — Darren Rodzwic was the typical Southeastern Pennsylvania boy growing up in the 1980s and 90s, attending Phillies games with families, hitting the Jersey shore and enjoying the rides at Dorney Park.

As a kid, like many peers of his age, he loved to play manhunt, baseball, and football, and he enjoyed cheering on Philly sports teams with his friends.

“He was a man of few words, but could always put a smile and give you a good belly laugh with his one liners and interesting choice of nicknames,” said his twin sister, Dana Wojciechowski.

Rodzwic left this world too soon when he passed away at 41 years of age on June 30. He leaves behind a wife of 13 years, Tara Lynn Rodzwic, and two sons, Darren and Kyle.

Wojciechowski said she will always remember the memorable shared birthdays with her brother and hitting special life milestones together.

“We will cherish these memories forever,” she said in a written statement provided to Patch. “We love and miss you so much Darren.”

Rodzwic, who was known as ‘D-Rod’ to his friends, was born at Abington Hospital to parents Richard and Florence Rodzwic. He grew up in Warminster, Bucks County and was a 1998 graduate of William Tennent High School. He later moved to Willow Grove, Montgomery County, where he was raising his family at the time of his death.

“I personally want to say that he was always there to lend a helping hand,” longtime friend Josh Rivera told Patch. “He was a great friend and he will be dearly missed.”

River said Rodzwic was one of his closest friends in life. Rodzwic had attended Rivera’s wedding at the historic restored Pennypack Mill in Hatboro back in early 2020.

Rodzwic was a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Technology and went on to secure a career as a skilled HVAC technician and accomplished home improvement specialist, according to his obituary.

The obituary says he was a loving and devoted husband and father, and enjoyed spending time with his sons, both watching and playing sports, especially football, baseball and basketball.

In addition to his wife, sons and twin sister, Rodzwic also leaves behind a brother Richard Rodzwic, Jr., and another sister, Lori Voelker, as well as two brothers in law.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing this Saturday July 24 at 9:30 a.m. at St. David Roman Catholic Church, at 316 Easton Road in Willow Grove. A funeral mass is scheduled to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.

Memorials in Rodzwic’s memory can be made to the Histiocytosis Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

A beef and beer benefit, titled “Carin’ for Darren,” has also been organized to benefit the family. It will take place on Aug. 21 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Horsham VFW Post 9788 at 324 Sawmill Lane in Horsham. Tickets are $45 if purchased by July 31, $50 if bought up to Aug. 14 or $55 at the door. The event will include food and refreshments, music, games and raffles. All proceeds will be donated to the family to help with medical bills and additional family expenses.