Obituary of Thomas S. Rodman

Thomas (Tom) Rodman has finally escaped his earthly, and somewhat confining physical body

(as much as he could possibly be confined) on February 13, 2022 at the age of 77 after intense long term and short term challenges, against which he fought valiantly and cheerfully, but that he may have had quite enough of!

Tom was born in Tarrytown, NY May 14, 1944 and lived an exuberantly joyful and loving life, full of hilariously good humor and life-giving words to so many acquaintances, friends and relatives.

Before a horrendous car crash in 1966 rendered Tom “Differently Abled”, he had the opportunity to join the Army and jump out of many “perfectly good airplanes”.

Tom pursued his education at many institutions of higher learning and was an avid reader, not only of history but he also enjoyed many action/adventure works, which he voraciously devoured in record time. 

Tom availed himself of many opportunities to educate others in a variety of venues. He used his vast learning and mastery of words and language to enthrall guests who came to learn from this Interpretive Park Ranger/docent in Concord, MA and at the Kennedy Birthplace in Brookline, MA and at FDR’s house in Hyde Park, NY. He worked as a substitute teacher for a time, and was known by his students as the teacher who rides around town on a big tricycle.

He is predeceased by both parents, his older sister, Liz Stevens, and older brother, Pete Rodman.

He was a positive force and inspiration to his nieces & nephews and their families, who fondly remember his encouraging words, and zest for life, despite the odds against him.

We pour out our special thanks and gratitude to the entire staff at both The Veterans Home at Oxford, NY and The New York State Home for Veterans at Montrose, who patiently and lovingly gave Tom all the Tender, Loving Care he needed to keep him up and “running”, which is why it was so hard to reach him, as he was rarely in his room. We are beyond thankful for the many ways these wonderful homes kept our wonderful Tom engaged and excited to rise each day.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 26 at 9:00am at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St, Peekskill, NY.  The head of Pastoral Care at the New York State Home for Veterans at Montrose, Elder Jesse Martin, will be officiating the service.

Interment to follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY.