Gerald J. “Jerry” Rodman, age 77, of Marion, died Monday, August 19, 2013, at the Genesis Presidential Center Nursing Home (formerly Partners) following a yearlong battle with cancer.
On June 1, 1936, Jerry was born in Marion, Ohio, the only child of the late Raymond and Harriett (Hazelton) Rodman. He was raised in Delaware, Ohio, where he graduated from Willis High School. Next, he earned his associate’s degree from the Columbus Business School.
Shortly following high school, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara Slob, on October 27, 1957. They moved back to Marion in 1958, where they shared nearly 28 wonderful years of marriage and lovingly raised three children. She preceded him in death on June 28, 1985, and after 27 years of missing her, they are now “together again”.
Later in life, Jerry met and married Cynthia Ann (Galladay) Hill. They spent several years together traveling and playing bingo. Cynthia preceded Jerry in death in 2005.
For 27 years, Jerry worked as a cost accountant for the Swan Rubber Plant in Bucyrus, until the plant switched hands in 1985. He then went to work for Sycon Corp. in Marion, again working in the cost accounting department.
A dedicated Mason, Jerry was a member and past master of the Marion Lodge #70 F. & A.M., and was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. He also was a member of the Marion Chapter #62, Marion Council, Marion Commandry, and the Aladdin Shriners.
A HAM radio enthusiast, Jerry was a member of the Marion Area Amateur Radio Club and was known by his call sign KD8COZ.
An avid reader, Jerry was a history buff, reading any history book he could get his hands on, and loved the “Friends of the Library” book sales. He also enjoyed golfing and was serious about playing bingo.
Quite the “yacker”, Jerry loved to talk and socialize with his many beloved friends. He especially loved his morning coffee with the “crew”. The way you knew Jerry liked you, was if he was giving you a hard time and being the wise cracker and jokester that he loved to be. He cherished the moments spent with each of his beloved friends.
Most important of all to Jerry was his family, and his beloved dog, Brandi. He loved his children and grandchildren, and was very proud of them.
He will be dearly missed by his three children: Steven Rodman of Sugarland, Texas, Gregory Rodman of Columbus, and Lisa (Jim) Krist of Sunbury; four grandchildren: Kelly Krist, Caitlin Rodman, Zach Rodman, and Wesley Krist; and many dear friends and masonic brothers.
His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 22nd, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion, and masonic services will be observed at 7 p.m. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Friday at 10 a.m., with Hospice Chaplain Rev. David DiPierto officiating. Burial will follow in Radnor Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Marion Lodge #70 F. & A.M., 119 W. Church St., Marion, OH, 43302, and the Ohio Masonic Home, 2665 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504.
His family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the wonderful nursing staff at the Partners Nursing Home, and to the doctors and staff at the Marion Area Cancer Center.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Jerry’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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