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FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield Museum and History Center will hold a special memorial service Wednesday to honor Roderick MacKenzie, the group’s assistant librarian and resident genealogist for more than three decades. MacKenzie died Dec. 9 at the age of 75.
Born in Bridgeport on Sept. 12, 1936, Mackenzie was raised in Fairfield and lived in the town his entire life. After graduating from Salem College in West Virginia and earning a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Connecticut, he worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Westport Senior Center.
He also became interested in genealogy, and began a program with what was then the Fairfield Historical Society 32 years ago. He also ran a program at the Pequot Library in Southport, holding occasional meetings for those interested in genealogy.
“Over the years, Rod helped and inspired thousands of students and researchers from all over the world,” said Michael Jehle, executive director of the Fairfield Museum and History Center. “He had an encyclopedic knowledge of local history and was a passionate cheerleader of all things Fairfield. Our community has lost one of its truly great citizens.”
A graveside service will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 21 starting at 11 a.m. The Museum’s memorial service will begin immediately after at 370 Beach Road. Memorial donations may be made to the Rod MacKenzie Memorial Fund, c/o the Fairfield Museum, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
