In Loving
Memory

Roderick Robert Ismay

October 2, 1946 – May 20, 2023

Roderick Robert Ismay, 76, of Washington, DC, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Richmond, VA, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Rod was born in 1946 to Rev. Roderick Robert Ismay and Marian Jackson Ismay. He was a graduate of Washington High School in Princess Anne, MD, and attended Syracuse University. He worked for over 40 years as an Administrative Assistant in the legal department of the Department of Energy for the federal government. Rod was an artist and photographer, and he spent much of his spare time drawing and painting in styles that “run the gamut, from representational realism to surreal abstraction.” His many works can be viewed simply by searching “Rod Ismay” on the internet. You can also find a description of his art written by Rod himself.

Rod also loved classical music, and many styles of popular music. He had a subscription to National Symphony Orchestra events at the Kennedy Center. He could often be seen with headphones on, and an MP3 player with classical music on, even when he was carrying on a conversation with you.

Rod had many friends from his years in Washington. One close friend said, “Rod was very intelligent and a gift to all who knew him.” He was a Christian and attended Washington Community Fellowship Church regularly. He was also active in their prayer group.

Rod Ismay is survived by his brother, John Ismay of Richmond; his brother’s partner Janet Hogan; and by many cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Marian Jackson Ismay, who passed away 9 days after Rod was born; his parents, Rev. Roderick Robert Ismay, and Virginia Clark Ismay who raised Rod; and his brother, Edward Thomas Ismay.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Washington Community Fellowship Church, 907 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Interment will be private.

Memorials can be made to Washington Community Fellowship Church, or to your favorite charity in Rod’s name.