Rodney Dube passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. A long-term resident of West Springfield, he was born on June 7, 1945, in New Britain, CT to the late William and Georgette (Jandreau) Dube. He tragically lost his sister, Claire, in 1953 to leukemia, a loss that forever impacted him. As a young child, Rodney spoke French at home and struggled to learn English at school while also challenged by undiagnosed dyslexia. Yet, his strong will and determination led him to graduate from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1963 and continue on to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford as well as a master's degree in Biopsychology and doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from UMass Amherst.

Rodney had a private clinical counseling practice while also dedicating himself to the field of education. He began his career as a professor at Holyoke Community College (HCC) in 1970 and also later taught at Westfield State University. He lead HCC's Psychology Department as Chairperson from 2001 until his retirement and was very proud to have established a Psi Beta Honor Society chapter at HCC. He believed strongly in the mission community colleges aspire to and was persistent in guarding and striving for his department's academic integrity. Over the course of his 50-year career, Rodney taught thousands of students and had a reputation for being tough but fair. A good grade in his class was one truly earned.

Despite his career successes, Rodney's biggest accomplishment and source of pride was the family he built and cherished. He leaves behind his wife and life partner of 55 years, Johanna ("Joanne"); his daughters Nicole, Sarah, and Caitlin; and his brothers David and John (Kathy). Rodney loved nothing more than spending time with his family and was their biggest supporter and most trusted advisor. He had a true passion for cooking and entertaining, hosting holiday gatherings, and embarking on food adventures. He loved traveling, especially on vacations taken through his beloved Maine, where he spent his childhood summers on his grandparents' farm in Aroostook County, as well as on very special family trips to Ireland and Austria. His work ethic was tireless, but on the rare occasion he was relaxing, you would likely find him watching an old western flick or wandering the aisles of Costco.

Rodney's family wishes to thank his health aide Whitney Allen, visiting nurse Katie Goyette, and West Side's first responders for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A private memorial will be announced by his family at a later date.