Dennis Rodman’s dad Philander Jr. dies in Pampanga

Philander Rodman Jr., the father of NBA superstar Dennis Rodman, died in Pampanga on July 14.

He was 79.

A Facebook account owned by Jasmine Rodman of Mabalacat, Pampanga, shared photos of her grandfather Philander Jr. when he was alive and during the wake.

A Twitter account was also set up to reach out to Philander Jr.’s son Dennis, posting a photo of the wake at Angelino’s Funeral Chapels in Angeles City. 

A GoFundMe account was also created under the name of Darling Marie Rodman of East Peoria, Illinois, to raise funds for her father “so we can get him out (of) the hospital and bring him back here in USA.”

Philander Jr. had been living in the Philippines since the 1970s.

He owned a burger stand in Angeles City, which he decorated with posters of the retired NBA superstar.

He had an estranged relationship with his son Dennis, who eventually became a professional basketball player and later on a Hall of Famer.

On July 19, 2012, during an exhibition game at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Dennis met and acknowledged his father, who went to the show.

READ: NBA legend Dennis Rodman reunites with estranged father in the Philippines

After over 40 years, a teary eyed Philander Jr. finally reunited with his son. The two also spoke briefly after the game.

It was also the first time that Dennis called Philander Jr. “father.”

Though their encounter was short, it was reportedly enough for Philander Jr. – RC, GMA News