Obituary of Rodney Clements

On December 27, 2018, the incomparable Rodney Keith Clements, aka “Pops”, “Rocco”, or “Rod” left the physical world to take his rightful place among the stars. Pops left us to go orchestrate the hopes and dreams of his loved ones from up above. His million-dollar smile can still be seen in the sun.  His unforgettable laughter can be heard in the wind. Pops rests in power. Here is more about his life. 

            Pops was born to parents Mr. Joseph E. Clements (1926-1988) of Swampscott, MA

and Mrs. Dorothy G. Clements [West] (1928-1980) of Boston, MA. Pops had six siblings, sister Mrs. Amina Ali, brother Mr. Joseph E. Clements, Jr. (deceased), brother Mr. Steven J. Clements (deceased), brother Mr. Gary Clements, sister Ms. Cathy Clementsand, sister  Ms. Michelle Dumas. Joseph and Dorothy raised their family in the Grove Hall area of Dorchester on Sonoma St. Pops’ Grove Hall ties deepened as he attended the William Lloyd Garrison elementary school and then to the Martin Luther King Jr. middle school. Pops graduated from Boston English High School in 1975. Pops was an adventurous spirit who lived in three different states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Georgia. In each place, Pops would establish roots and leave an indelible mark. 

            Pops used his passions, love for others and skills to guide his life’s work. Pops developed a love for painting, artisanship and carpentry through his family’s hardware store. Over the years, Pops became a master carpenter, painter and skilled artisan—skills which he honed up until his last days. Pops was a historian who studied colonial and modern architecture and artisanship. Pops is well-known for his more than 30 years of work in the addiction and recovery field. Pops was a motivational speaker, mentor and prevention specialist. In this work, Pops used his gifts for empathy, relatability and unparalleled authenticity to make connections with everyone he encountered and helped them make strides on their recovery journeys. He was an avid collector and lover of music. An artist himself, Pops was a crooner with a smooth voice.  He loved acts like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Smokey Robinson., The Stylistics and The Whispers.  In fact, Pops is known for his James Brown-esque dance moves. Pops was surely a foodie. He loved fried seafood, chicken wings and all things pork. He is well-known for introducing all of grandchildren to Pepsi and Oreos (as babies). Pops would say that he was a wizard in the kitchen too. Pops had a passion for travel. He’d go on to see the world, one of his favorite destinations was Aruba. 

            Pops had a giving spirit. He often gave his time and labor without asking for anything in return. He selflessly gave gifts. Sometimes these gifts had creative origins i.e. a 65” TV that fell off the back of a truck. If Pops couldn’t get or give you what you needed he always knew a guy. Nonetheless he spread his love through giving to others. Some of his best gifts were the timeless photos of family and friends that he took on his camera. Pops graced us all with his dapper style. He was always dressed to the nines. He’ll be equally remembered for his signature hats and his sweatsuits with one pant-leg rolled up. 

            Pops leaves behind a legacy and lineage that will stand the test of time. He is survived by his children daughter Ms. Cassandra Pierce, son Mr. Rodney Pierce with daughter-in-law Jacqueline Ubiles-Pierce, son Mr. Tyrone Pierce and daughter Aja Mongo (deceased in infancy). Pops leaves behind seven grandchildren grandson (the original) Mr. Dexter Rowell with wife Mrs. Kailla Rowell, grandson Mr. Taiye Taylor, grandson Mr. Tai Miller, grandson Mr. Ian Pierce, granddaughter Ms. Jannah Pierce and granddaughter Ms. Journi Pierce. Pops lives through his great-grandchild Mr. Amar Rowell. He is remembered by his former wives Mrs. Dorlene Pierce-Scott and Ms. Carla Clements as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews who will miss him dearly.

            Pops lived a full life. It was complete with boundless love, infectious laughter, legendary stories, fearless adventures and tears of triumph and joy.