Rodney S. Crudup

Rodney Crudup was born Wednesday, February 12, 1964, to Marcia Crudup and Charles Cox in Brooklyn, NY. Rodney and his mother relocated to Philadelphia PA. It was there Marcia met Marvin Pereira and their loving family grew, giving Rodney two biological siblings Marvin and Rhonda. Rodney would later acquire two additional brothers, Tony (deceased) and David, who he affectionately called Day Day Rock. Though their bond was not biological their friendship was irreplaceable. 

 Rodney Crudup was taught Islamic religious studies at a very young age. He attended the Sister Clara Muhammad school where he would learn to read, write and speak fluent Arabic. Rodney later continued his education through Philadelphia public school system. Inspired by his son Andre Sampson, Rodney returned to school and received his Associate’s degree in Social Work from The Community College of Philadelphia. He then pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health at Chestnut Hill College until his wife fell ill. Rodney had many skills and talents which included an appreciation for multiple genres of music, a passion for education, and the gift of being ambidextrous. However, his greatest love was for the game of basketball. He was well known on the Sedgewick playground under the tag “NEON”. People would come from all over Philadelphia, just to watch him play.

Rodney Crudup was a loving and compassionate person. These qualities were shown through his relationships with his late grandmother Ladora Crudup, mother Marcia, brother Marvin, extended family, and especially with his younger sister Rhonda. Rodney and Rhonda had a special relationship in which he was both loving and very protective.

As a young adult, Rodney met a beautiful young woman by the name of Andrea Sampson, through a mutual friend. Though the sparks between them were evident, Rodney wouldn’t get another opportunity to pursue her until almost three decades later. On December 4, 2012, Rodney wed the love of his life, Andrea. Their deep love would inspire everyone they came in contact with, including Rodney’s bonus children Kenneth Simmons, Andre Sampson, and granddaughter McKenzie Simmons. Their love was undeniable, it showed in every Thanksgiving spade game, in which they won on numerous occasions. It showed in Rodney’s love and support of his new siblings and most of all in their love for their granddaughter McKenzie, who was the apple of their eye. In April 2017 Rodney and Andrea’s love story came to a beautiful end. Andrea lost her battle with cancer and spent her last moments with her loving husband right by her side.

On February 19, 2022, Rodney said farewell to this world. In his final moments, he had the help and support of his close friends Ms. Pam and longtime friend Mark. Rodney’s love and compassion will continue to live on in our memories. Rodney was proceeded in death by his wife Andrea Sampson Crudup, Father Marvin T. Pereira, and younger brother Marvin A. Caddell- Pereira. He will leave to cherish his memories: His mother Marcia Caddell, two sons: Kenneth Simmons, Andre Sampson, one granddaughter: McKenzie Simmons, one sister Rhonda Howard, one niece Mahan Wilson, two nephews: Josiah Wilson and Jason Caddell, the entire Sampson family and a host of uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Please join the Crudup family after 6:00 pm on Saturday March 5th 2022 at Delaware Valley Cremation Center, 7350 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136 for a gathering of remembrance in honoring and celebrating Rodney's life. The memorial tribute service will begin promptly at 7:00 pm with time for refreshments and fellowship immediately afterwards, until 9:00 pm, where Rodney's family will be accessible to receive the loving comfort of your condolences, remembrances and support.