Charles F. Rode

September 24, 1928 - April 2, 2021

Charles Frederick Rode - 1928-2021 Charles (Charlie) Frederick Rode, 92.6 years old was born on September 24, 1928 in Jersey City, NJ. He passed away peacefully and at home with his trusted dog Rusty and daughter Laura by his side in St. Augustine, FL on April 2, 2021 and under the care of Hospice angels. While New Jersey/New York and Florida were the bookends of his life, there were many adventures in between. Survived by his daughter and caregiver Laura; and eldest child, Ricky/Frida and 3 grandchildren Brittani Risk (John); Steven and Jessica. Charles was predeceased by 2 brothers Joseph and John and 2 sisters Marie and Dorothy. He often shared memories of being the youngest growing up in the 1930’S depression and collecting bottles, cans and bottlecaps at the ball stadium after a game and sell them for scrap metal for some change for the family. Growing up in Jersey City he spent summers row boating and swimming in the Hackensack River. In Dickerson High School, Bergen, NJ; he was a star football player graduating in 1946 and going on to play college ball where he dreamt of being a football coach. He married MaryLou Pompliano in1961 and grew his family in Point Pleasant, NJ. In 1976 Charles and MaryLou Rode (deceased in 1992) decided to move the family to Hartwick NY. He eventually followed his father and brother into the Railroad where he worked for 20 years. After that Charles changed his career and took a job with Exxon’ Marine division. He worked up the ranks to become Captain. After 23 years “Captain Charlie” retired in 1991 to enjoy life on the “hobby farm” in NY, as he called it. He loved all animals, particularly his beloved dogs, he had many over his lifetime and there was never a time he was without one or more by his side. He will be dearly missed. Charlie requested that there be no mourning or memorial surrounding his death; rather, Charlie wanted his death to be a celebration and reflection of his life. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held in the New York sometime in the coming months. For more information please contact: Laura L Rode – (904) 891-2966 [email protected]