A somber funeral service was held on Saturday to honor the life of Roderick Jackson, a 36-year-old Massachusetts utility worker who tragically lost his life in a road accident while on duty in Waltham just 10 days ago. Jackson, a National Grid gas operations technician, was struck by a pickup truck while working on Totten Pond Road on the night of December 6.

The funeral took place at 11 a.m. at St. Paul AME Church on Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to pay their respects. Prior to the ceremony, visitation hours were held, providing an opportunity for the community to share their condolences with the grieving family.

Known affectionately as "Kito" by his mother, Norma Asprilla, Jackson was the eldest of four children. At the young age of 12, he took on the responsibility of helping raise his brother and two sisters. Asprilla spoke of her son with deep admiration, describing him as "all that you wish you had as a son."

Jackson was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and earned a degree in business administration from Framingham State University in 2011. His athletic accomplishments were also noteworthy, as he played basketball for two years on the FSU team and joined the football team for a year.

Manuel Asprilla-Hassan, Jackson's older brother, credited him for his own success as a football player. Asprilla-Hassan, formerly a star at Everett High School, went on to Boston College and eventually played in the NFL. Reflecting on their bond, Asprilla-Hassan expressed gratitude for his brother's unwavering belief in his potential. He shared a poignant memory of how proud Jackson was when he received a scholarship to Boston College, highlighting the sacrifices and support he had invested in his younger brother.

In remembrance of Jackson's life and legacy, his family announced plans to establish a scholarship in his honor. The scholarship aims to support young individuals, ensuring that they can benefit from Jackson's inspiring journey.

Tragically, Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey, aged 58 and a 28-year veteran of the department, also lost his life in the same accident that claimed Jackson's. Officer Tracey was married to fellow Waltham Police Officer Kristin Tracey, who currently serves as the school resource officer at Waltham High School. The grieving couple leaves behind two children named Danika and Tyler.

The community mourns the loss of these two dedicated individuals, both Jackson and Officer Tracey, who served their respective professions with integrity and commitment. Their memory will forever remain in the hearts of those whose lives they touched.

(Note: The generated article is based solely on the information provided by the user, and it is important to note that additional details or updates may be available in an official news report.)