Rodney S. Eielson
The Honorable Rodney S. Eielson of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones, on August 28, 2015. He was 90 years old.
Rodney was born on November 13, 1924, in North Haven, CT, the youngest of four children to Reverend Eiel Severin Eielson and Julia Johnson Eielson. At age 17, Rodney enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served honorably aboard the USS Hampton (APA-115) in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of World War II. He was a graduate of University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, CT) and University of Connecticut School of Law.
Rodney entered the practice of law in Fairfield County, CT, and was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives. At age 36, he was appointed to the Connecticut Circuit Court and later to the Superior Court. After retiring to Florida in the early 1980's, he returned to the practice of law as a professional mediator.
Rodney is survived by his two daughters, Lori Brayton of Norwalk, CT, and Bernadette Fitzgerald of San Diego, CA; his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his devoted companion Barbara Messier of Guilford, CT, and his sister, Doris Eielson Raynor of Cheshire, CT. He was pre-deceased by his son, Rodney Eielson, Jr; his siblings Kenneth Eielson, Eiel Stanley Eielson, and Janet Eielson Sandstrom; his wife, Shirley Tobiason Eielson (1969), and Bernadette Palotay Eielson (2003).
Rodney was deeply involved with many charitable causes.  He was the past president of Goodwill Industries of Connecticut and the Connecticut March of Dimes, In Florida, he was the president of the Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Foundation, through which over 150 grants per year are given to charities including Bethesda Hospital, The Women's Circle, Achievement Center, Caridad Center, Sacred Heart School, and the Lupus Foundation.  His granddaughter Amy Bloom serves as Secretary of the Foundation.  Rod was affiliated with Ascension Lutheran Church in Boynton Beach and of Advent Lutheran Church in Boca Raton.
A memorial was held September 2nd, 2015 at Ascension Lutheran Church.  His ashes will be scattered at Sheffield Island on Long Island Sound.
The family is grateful for condolences and ask that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice in Rodney's name.
KEEP THE FAITH