Rodrick Charles Covington was born on October 27, 1959 in St Joseph’s Hospital, Bronx, New York to Charles Otis Covington and Mary Lou Covington. Both parents, and one son Eric Dimitri Covington, preceded Rodrick in death. Rodrick lost his battle with cancer and crossed over into eternity on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

 

Rodrick and his sister Brenda were nurtured in a Christian home. He was baptized into the fellowship of The Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY on November 1, 1974. In his early walk with Christ, Rodrick served faithfully on the Youth Usher Board. He was always seen as a leader, and he utilized this gift by assuming the role as President of the Youth Usher Board. His parents made certain that he attended Sunday School regularly and his teachers marveled at his spiritual insight, given his youthful age.  

 

Rodrick Charles Covington was educated in the New York City Public School system. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx, New York. Rodrick was an outstanding student and as a result was inducted into the National Honor Society. He also played the saxophone in the high school band. Rodrick began on his journey in higher education at the City College of New York. He later transferred to Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, where he graduated with a B.A. degree in

Finance. While attending Fordham, Rodrick pledged to become a member of a national fraternity of college-educated men known as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Rodrick “crossed the burning sands” of Kappa and was initiated into the Fraternity (Lota Rho), with Ronald Osson and Arthur Taliaferro on April 29, 1979. Together the trio became known as “Three the Hardway.”

On campus, Rodrick gained notoriety because of his signature trench coat, briefcase, and three-piece suits. Rodrick subsequently served as the President or “Polemarch” of the Chapter at Fordham, Junior Vice-Province Polemarch, Dean of Pledges, and mentor to new students wishing to pledge the Fraternity. Upon graduation, and because of his charismatic style and outgoing personality, Rodrick was selected by the Fraternity’s Province Polemarch, James M. Kidd, to expand the Fraternity to other colleges in the Northeast Region. As a result, Rodrick assisted in the creation and formation of Chapters of the Fraternity at Binghamton University (Mu Kappa), the University of Albany (Kappa Rho) and West Point (Kappa Mu). Rodrick remained a Life Member of the Fraternity and its Brotherhood of Men, and often talked about the virtues and importance of “Phi Nu Pi.”

 

It was in the environs of The Convent Avenue Baptist Church, the year 1979, where Rodrick walked up the church steps and introduced himself to the love of his life, the former Jackie Holloway. Rodrick with his magnetic smile and charm, pursued his wife to be. They were married on September 7, 1985, at Convent, in the village of Harlem, New York. As a result of this union, Rodrick and Jackie were blessed with five wonderful children. Like his wife, Rodrick was a proud parent of his children; Rodrick Jr., a graduate of American University with a B.S. degree in Biology is presently a third- year doctoral student at Touro College of Pharmacy; April holds a B.A. degree in Interior Design from Howard University; and the twins are completing their sophomore year at St. John’s University. Ashley is a Communications major and Amber is pursuing a major in Early Childhood Education. Rodrick afforded his family with many opportunities to travel and experience a variety of intellectual and fun-filled activities.

Early in Rodrick’s career, he worked for Cunard Line as a travel agent, and for a wedding gift, the company gifted the young couple with a lovely Caribbean honeymoon. He also worked for Screen International Security Services Ltd. (S.I.S.S.) as an Account Executive, for which he provided security to high profiled individuals, celebrities, and politicians. Rodrick’s last position was held with Rinc Management, LLC. 

 

In October of 1981, Rodrick attended the New York State Police Academy and began his lifelong career in law enforcement. He entered the Academy as a Recruit Trooper. Rod successfully completed his Academy training in March of 1982 and was rewarded with an assignment in Painted Post Station (Troop E), where he remained until March 1983. Later he was transferred to Stormville Station (Troop K). Rodrick also spent a brief time at Lake Success (L Troop). In November 1988, he moved on to what was then known as the Governor’s Detail and was assigned to Governor Mario M. Cuomo Sr.  In December 1990, Rodrick was promoted to the position of Investigator. He then was given responsibility for the Violent Predator Task Force. Shortly thereafter, in August of 1991, Rodrick was reassigned to the Governor’s Detail. At that point in time, it was known as the Protective Services Unit, until Rodrick’s designation to the New York City Police (NYPD) Liaison in February of 1995. Rodrick was later assigned to Governor George Pataki, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Two months later, in April 1995, Rod found himself temporarily assigned to what was known as the Executive Services Unit. In April of 2001, Rodrick ‘s career began to accelerate as he was promoted to Technical Lieutenant, serving Governor Eliot Spitzer and Governor David A. Paterson. Subsequently, he was assigned as NYPD Liaison at One Police Plaza. Rodrick remained at One Police Plaza for six years, until February 8, 2007, when once again he was assigned to the Executive Services Detail. This time it was with the rank of Major Rodrick Charles Covington. And finally, during one of the most tumultuous times in the history of our city and country, Rodrick showed up as a 9-11 First Responder. We are forever indebted to him and so many other brave men and women for their extraordinary display of courage. Rodrick retired from his remarkable career with the New York State Police in November 2008.      

 

Rodrick was an ambitious and dedicated professional. He utilized his excellent critical thinking skills in addressing difficult scenarios and had a special knack for diffusing situations. He was a loyal friend and brother to so many persons. Rod was also a wonderful conversationalist, which can be attributed to him being an avid reader and his extensive travels. He always enjoyed a good movie, especially the James Bond classics. When Jackie and Rod first met, their first date was a James Bond movie. Last November 2021, Rod asked Jackie to go out on a date, which was ironically to view on the “big screen”, the most

recent James Bond movie, “No Time to Die.” Little did the couple know that this would be the last date they would ever have here on earth. Their love story ended with his wife by his side. Take your rest Rod; you “fought a good fight!”  To God be the Glory!   

 

Rodrick Charles Covington leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: A very devoted and loving wife, Jackie Covington; one son, Rodrick Covington Jr., three daughters, April, Ashley, and Amber Covington of Baldwin, New York; one sister, Brenda Covington of New York, NY; one aunt Montena Coleman of Somerset, New Jersey; a father-in-law, Wharton Holloway of Bronx, New York; one sister-in-law, Stephanie Holloway of Freeport, New York; one brother-in-law, Eloy Ramos of Freeport, New York; one niece Kiara Ramos of Freeport, New York;  three nephews, Edward Rone of Norfolk, Virginia, Chaz Ramos of New York, NY, and Justin Ramos of Freeport, New York; two great nieces, Isabella Rone of Norfolk, Virginia and Autumn Marrow of Freeport, New York; and a host of other relatives and close friends.