May 29, 1946 – February 19, 2025

Rodney Albert Ciceri, 78, passed on February 19, 2025, at Hospice Bainbridge Island in peace and with mental strength. Known on Vashon as Coach, Teammate, Expert Gardener, Pinochle Wizard, and Breakfast Cook, he charmed his way through places and people with a minimum of earthly goods all his life.

A master of wit and dry humor, Rod had an unusually sharp mind and was a smooth-talking storyteller with an anecdote. As a five-newspapers per day reader, aware citizen, and good with words, only the Friday crosswords were a challenge for him.

Rod was born in Palo Alto, California, on May 29, 1946. He graduated from West High School in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Saint Bonaventure’s College in Allegany, New York. He was drafted into the military at age 19.

After service as a medic in Vietnam, in 1969, Rod settled in Berkeley, California, during turbulent times. He marched against the war, worked at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic, lectured on drug use, flew high at Bill Graham’s rock concerts, and honed his athletic and gardening talents.

Rod excelled in baseball, golf, volleyball, and soccer. He loved coaching and his friendships grew through a mutual love of sports. Among many successes, he coached the Vashon Pirates’ Girls Volleyball to the 2000 All-Nisqually League First Team.

Rod’s relationship with his surrogate son Peter Fetter and friendship with Peter’s mother Katrin was lasting and deep until he died. He is also survived by his daughter Anni, and sister Victoria. Rod was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anita, and his sisters, Galen and Suzanne.

At Rod’s request, his and his dog Bear’s ashes will be spread this spring into one of many enduring home gardens that he landscaped, planted, and tended during his lifetime. If you wish to attend this brief private memorial, please email Luke@TreeAndB.com.