Friends, family remember Roderick Jackson, National Grid worker killed in Waltham crash, as he is laid to rest
CAMBRIDGE - Through song, prayer, poems and moments of reflection, the life of 36-year-old Roderick Kito Jackson was celebrated on Saturday at St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge.
"He was someone who intensely loved his family," Reverend Jeffrey Brown said.
Jackson was the National Grid technician killed on the job in the Waltham crash that also claimed the life of Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey last week. The church was packed with family, friends, members of the Waltham Police Department and his co-workers at National Grid.
"Kito was always surrounded by friends and family and had an extraordinary gift of enriching the lives around him. Kito's memory will forever be cherished by his loving family," Hercot Miller said.
Jackson's longtime friend and co-worker, David Gibson, who got him the job at National Grid, was overcome with emotion.
"I just want him to know that I love him," Gibson said.
Jackson was remembered for his infectious smile, his love of sports and music and for always going out of his way to support his family and friends. He was a man of purpose, promise and compassion.
"Oh, I was so proud to be your brother. I was so proud of the man you were and the man that you are. Because even in death, you still find ways to support this family. I don't know what I am going to do without you," his younger brother, Manuel Asprilla Hassan, said.
Hassan said Jackson was his hero who stood with him every step of life from football to law school. "He was a giant. I used to think I was going to be as tall as him. As strong as him. And just as handsome. They used to call me little Kito. I am going to miss you," he cried.
The Jackson family has announced a scholarship in Roderick's name. He was the first in his family to go to college. After the service, a line of National Grid Trucks and police officers led the procession.
"Roderick was a friend of ours. They are hurting. We are hurting. They came to us, and we come to them - that's what community is. Without unity you don't have strength. And you look around you see the unity and strength we have," Waltham Police Chief Kevin O'Connell said.
