The real estate industry has lost another of its icons with the passing of Rodger Nordblom. Massachusetts has been blessed with a number of pioneers in the commercial real estate business who have had a major role in the sculpting of our cityscapes, creating workplaces for generations of innovative businesses that have grown here. Not only have these individuals been active participants in our economic development, but they have been civic and charitable leaders, giving of their time and resources to so many organizations that have impacted all of our lives.

Whenever you saw Rodger, he had a smile on his face and was always accessible.  We will all miss him.

 Rodger Payson Nordblom

• July 5, 1927 – February 10, 2013
• Concord, Massachusetts

Rodger Payson Nordblom, 85, died peacefully while in Palm Desert, California on February 10, 2013. Born July 5, 1927, he was the son of Robert C. and Marjorie C. (Payson) Nordblom.

He graduated from Milton Academy, Milton MA in 1945, whereupon he served in the US Navy. Subsequently, he graduated from Harvard University in 1950, where he was captain of the ski team for 2 years. He married Mary Winder Crocker of Fitchburg, MA on September 9, 1949. Together they raised their five children in Concord MA, instilling in them their love of the outdoors, sports, and most importantly, family values. His beloved wife, Mary Winder, passed away on September 7, 2001 after 52 years of marriage. Traveling to California, he met Dawn Chandler whom he married on March 14, 2003. Together they traveled extensively to remote parts of the world and enjoyed 10 years of marriage.

Rodger was the third generation in Nordblom Company where he was President for twenty-five years. He was an outstanding leader in the Boston real estate industry as a pioneer in the development of commercial properties following the construction of Route 128 in the late 1950’s. Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s he developed millions of sq ft of commercial buildings in Greater Boston and was recognized by his peers as president of SIOR in 1977. Rod was always active in the Boston community, including his recent involvement with WGBH, Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Boston and the Museum of Science.

Whether parasailing on his 85th birthday or exploring remote villages in India, he embraced life with enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit. His positive outlook carried him graciously through life’s trials including his own health challenges. Rod was unfailingly fair and always was guided by what he believed to be right both in business as well as his personal life.

He was a mentor to many generously sharing his wisdom and experience therefore empowering those around him. As a result of his deep love for writing and photography, he also authored a number of books. Rod was a gentleman loved and respected by all and he will be best remembered for his kindness and generosity.

Rod is survived by his wife Dawn, her son Danny Chandler of Texas, her daughter Julie Chandler of Raleigh, NC and Rod’s five children, Anne Dodge of Manchester MA, Carolyn Los of Athens Greece, Win Nordblom of Ayer MA, Peter Nordblom of Cambridge MA and Lee Nordblom of Beverly MA and their spouses . He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren as well as his sister June Robinson, her husband Dr. Jack Robinson and many nieces and nephews.

Gifts in his memory may be made to:
The Boys and Girls Club of Boston
115 Warren St.
Roxbury, MA 02119
www.bgcb.org

The Museum of Science
1 Science Park
Boston MA 02114
www.store.mos.org