Franklin "Frank" D. Rodrique

Franklin Delano Rodrique, 86, formerly of Bayonne, NJ and more recently, King of Prussia passed away yesterday morning. Pop grew up across the river from NYC, participating in drum and bugle music as a kid. FDR, enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Radioman, 2nd Class on the heavy cruiser, Canberra from 1955-1959 in the Mediterranean. He got out of the active Navy and went into the US Naval Reserves, serving with VS-751, an anti-submarine squadron, based on Naval Airstation Lakehurst (NJ). The squadron, and Pop, deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962. He flew missions from the airstrip on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Frank served with Upper Merion Twp PD from 1964 until 2002, retiring as a sergeant. He spent a few years as a detective, working some high profile murder cases including a couple of sisters killed on Henderson Rd., in the 1970’s and the infamous case of Jay C. Smith. He was a consummate leader, taking care of all.

Frank worked with Allied-Barton Security for one former UMPD officer for several years. Pop worked at the corporate offices in QA.

The defining portion of Pops life was as of family man. He was the BEST, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, godfather, son and brother. The man I revered, worked full time as a police officer, taking care of his 80 year father, cancer ridden brother and me….while going to Villanova! He was an example of what a cop was and a significant factor in my career choice.

He always had time for his family and was loyal to a fault. Sometimes mistaken for a Frosty exterior, he had a soft center, always thinking of others before self.

He was a selfless husband for my mom, Eileen Brennan Rodrique. He lived for her. He was a full time caregiver for 6 years leading up to her death in September of 2023. He did an exemplary job.

For the last year, Pop was in our childhood home alone. I saw more of him, 4-5 times a week until convincing him to live with us nearby, Pop suffered from a couple of cancers, recent heart and lung surgeries and a bout of pneumonia a couple of weeks ago. He rarely complained and asked only for what was required. Most of the time, he wouldn’t ask, creating greater concern. He thought of others until the end.

Pop is pre/deceased by my mom, Eileen Brennan Rodrique, his father Henry Compton Rodrique , mother, Agnes Rodrique, brothers, Henry, Louis and Johnny. Frank is survived by his sons Mark Bereda of Valley Forge (Sue Basile) and Chief Todd Bereda of Spring City (Melissa Bereda), daughter-in-law Kelly Banas Bereda of Lower Chichester, grandson James Andrew Bereda of King of Prussia, granddaughter, Jessie Alexandra Bereda of Lower Chichester, granddaughter Kaylie Elizabeth Bereda of Philadelphia, grandson, Mark Anthony Bereda of Lower Chichester, granddaughter Elise Marie Bereda of Spring City, and one great grandson Santiago Pérez-Bereda of Lower Chichester. He is also survived by his beloved 11 pound, 87.5 year old Yorkie, Turbo Rodrique, of Westfall Avenue in King of Prussia (Go Birds!).

Pop was a believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and formerly attended Our Mother of Divine Providence Roman Catholic Church in Upper Merion and Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cathoic Church in Bridgeport.

Pop didn’t want a fuss, just wanting to be laid to rest with mom. He will be cremated and a celebration of life will follow in the early Spring.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences to the family may be posted at www.bacchifh.com