Lowell, August 20, 2025
News Summary
The city of Lowell mourns the loss of two beloved residents, Dana M. Rodricks and John Thomas Malavich. Both men are remembered for their contributions, with Rodricks being a dedicated rail industry veteran and Malavich a passionate chef. Friends and family share heartfelt memories of their steady lives, community spirit, and shared moments spent on the golf course and in the kitchen. Services have been scheduled to honor their legacies and offer condolences to their families.
Lowell — Community Mourns Two Local Residents: Dana M. Rodricks and John Thomas Malavich
The city of Lowell is grieving the loss of two neighbors this year. Both men left behind family, friends and communities that will remember them for steady work, loyal fandom and time spent doing what they loved most — on the green and in the kitchen, on the rails and at the beach.
Dana M. Rodricks, 71 — A Railman Who Loved the Links
In a life that read like a steady long drive down the fairway, Dana M. Rodricks, 71, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital. Born in Lowell on August 19, 1953, he was a hometown product who stayed true to his roots — graduating from Lowell High School in 1971 and building a career that spanned nearly four decades on the rails.
Rodricks spent 37 years working for the rail industry with stops at Boston and Maine Railroad, Amtrak, and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail, retiring as a Senior Engineer of Track South. For many locals he was one of those steady, reliable figures — the sort of person you could picture working the final approach to a long day like a careful putt to save par.
Retirement didn’t slow him down. His downtime centered on friends from his career, time on the golf course, beach days and vacations. He was known as an avid fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Bruins, and he valued family above all. He is survived by his beloved wife, Francine A. (Newell) Rodricks, daughter Trisha L. O’Connell and her husband Bruce, and two grandchildren, Katelyn E. O’Connell and Matthew P. O’Connell, of Rutland, MA, plus nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his brother, David G. Rodrigues.
Friends may call at O’Donnell Funeral Home in Lowell on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 P.M.. The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10 A.M. at the funeral home, with burial following at Lowell Cemetery.
John Thomas Malavich, 50 — From Lowell High to the Chef’s Station
The community also marked the passing of John Thomas Malavich, 50, who died on February 25, 2025, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Born on May 30, 1974 and raised in Lowell, he graduated from Lowell High School in 1992 and earned an associate’s degree from Middlesex Community College.
Malavich took his love of food into a hard-working culinary life on the North Shore of Massachusetts. He worked as a sous chef and head chef at several restaurants, including time at Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton. He was a man who found joy in feeding people — preparing meals for friends and family, fishing when he could, and following the games of teams he supported.
He is survived by his mother, Paula (Ryan) Malavich of Lowell; brothers William and James; sister Christine; and extended family including nephews and nieces. Those wishing to honor his memory may consider donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Lowell, MA.
Funeral services for Malavich were arranged for Thursday, March 6, 2025, beginning at 9 A.M. at Dolan Funeral Home, followed by a Mass at St. Margaret’s Church.
Lowell’s Community: A Clubhouse of Memories
For many in Lowell, both men were steady club-members of the city’s broader community. Rodricks represented that patient, long-game spirit you admire in a veteran golfer — steady, reliable and focused on the next good shot. Malavich brought heat and flavor to gatherings the way a great chef brings a clubhouse meal together after a tough round.
Whether it was a rail crew swapping stories after a shift, a golf foursome comparing scores at the 19th hole, or a kitchen full of steam and laughter, these two men left marks that people will remember. Services and opportunities to pay respects are listed below to help neighbors, friends and fans plan their goodbyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dana M. Rodricks pass away?
Dana M. Rodricks passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
When and where are the visiting hours and funeral for Dana Rodricks?
Friends may call at O’Donnell Funeral Home, Lowell, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 P.M.. The funeral service is on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10 A.M., with burial at Lowell Cemetery.
When did John Thomas Malavich pass away?
John Thomas Malavich died on February 25, 2025, in Miami, FL.
When were John Malavich’s services scheduled?
Funeral services for Malavich were scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2025, starting at 9 A.M. at Dolan Funeral Home, followed by a Mass at St. Margaret’s Church.
How can I send condolences or make a donation in memory of John Malavich?
Donations in memory of John Malavich can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Lowell, MA. Contact the organization directly for donation options.
Who survives Dana Rodricks?
He is survived by his wife Francine; daughter Trisha L. O’Connell and her husband Bruce; two grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
At-a-Glance: Services and Key Details
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Visiting / Service | Location | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dana M. Rodricks | 71 | August 17, 2025 | Viewing: Aug 21, 4–7 P.M.; Service: Aug 22, 10 A.M. | O’Donnell Funeral Home, Lowell; Burial at Lowell Cemetery | No donation information listed |
| John Thomas Malavich | 50 | February 25, 2025 | Service: March 6, 9 A.M.; Mass to follow | Dolan Funeral Home; St. Margaret’s Church | St. Vincent de Paul Society, Lowell, MA |
In the clubhouse of life, some players leave behind a tidy scorecard of steady work and small, meaningful moments. Dana Rodricks and John Malavich each finished their final rounds surrounded by the people and places that mattered to them. For those who want to pay respects or remember a shared memory, the details above aim to make that simple and clear.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Lowell Sun: John T. Malavich
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Boston 25 News: Man Found Dead in Canal
- Google Search: Lowell Obituaries
- NBC Boston: Fire Breaks Out in Lowell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- WCVB: Lowell Shooting on Cumberland Road
- Google News: Lowell News
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