Rodney S. Jenkins

Paxton- Rodney S. Jenkins, 74, beloved husband of Mary (Croteau) Jenkins, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus.

Born in Worcester and raised on the family farm in Paxton, Rodney was the son of the late Loyd and Olive (Ayotte) Jenkins. He graduated from Worcester Academy and went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the National Guard for several years.

Rodney began his career at the family business, Robert G. Pratt Company, before returning to school and embarking on a career he truly took pride in. He served as Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Facility in North Brookfield for more than 30 years. Following his retirement, Rodney continued working part time at Klems in Spencer. He was currently serving as Vice Chair of the Paxton Water Board of Commissioners.

A passionate and highly respected birdwatcher, Rodney was known as the #1 birder in Worcester County, holding the record for the most species of birds seen in the county. He was a Life Member of the Forbush Bird Club in Worcester and led countless bird walks for the Bird Club and the Audubon Society. He especially enjoyed participating in the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Counts of Worcester County and on Cape Cod. He could often be found outdoors, binoculars in hand, enjoying the beauty of nature.

Rodney loved sharing his knowledge of birds with others. He was always willing to stop, explain, teach, and answer questions, no matter how many times he had been asked before. His patience and enthusiasm made him a wonderful teacher and companion to anyone who wanted to learn more about the birds and nature he loved so much. He had a gift for making others appreciate the little things in nature and was happiest when he could share those moments with someone else.

Rodney also loved gardening and took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors. His homemade “Pappy’s Pickles” and “Pappy’s Peaches” were legendary and brought as much joy to others as they did to him.

An avid New England sports fan, Rodney loved watching the games and cheering on his favorite teams. He also had a deep love for animals and was blessed with many beloved pets throughout his life. He could often be found working around the horses. While horses may not have been his animal of choice, Rodney always helped Mary take wonderful care of them—without ever a complaint.

Those who knew Rodney will remember him most for his kindness, his caring nature, his enormous heart, and his wonderful sense of humor. He was a patient and gentle man who always had time for others. He had a special way of making people laugh and feel welcome. Rodney never hesitated to let his family and friends know how much he loved them, and his love and generosity touched countless lives. He was a truly good man who was deeply loved by all who knew him.

Rodney will be lovingly missed by his wife of 27 years, Mary; his stepdaughter, Amy Sinkewich and her husband, Mark, of Rutland; his four grandchildren, Camden and his wife, Rachael, Adrian, Ryan, and Tristan Sinkewich, all of Rutland; his son, Nathaniel Jenkins; his brother, Richard Jenkins and his wife, Donna, of Paxton; his nephew, Robert Alexander, of Worcester; his nieces, Elizabeth Myers of New York, and Julie McKenna of Vermont; and his dear friends, Bob and Diane Abbott of Worcester. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and his beloved dog Bindi.

In addition to his parents, Rodney was predeceased by his son Brennan Jenkins, his brother Gerald Jenkins, and his sister, Priscilla Handler.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rodney’s family from 12:00 to 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rodney’s memory to a charity of your choice.