Richard M. Rodney
What do you remember about Richard? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Col (Ret) Richard M. Rodney, 92, died at UPMC Carlisle on April 29, 2022. Dick was born in Canandaigua, New York to the late Elizabeth (McCarthy) and Raymond Rodney on March 30, 1930.
Dick always felt that no one ever had a better childhood. Growing up in the city was as close to perfect as one can expect - loving parents/grandparents, sibling - Mary Anne Knopf of Boca Raton, FL and the late Ray (Sonny) Rodney. He had the privilege of growing up when Sonnenberg Park, the Swimming School and Roseland Amusement Park were at their prime. He could not have asked for a better education than that he received at Saint Mary's and The Academy in Canandaigua and at Niagara University. They were always three of the rungs supporting any success he received in life.
During his career he received military education from basic officer to the Army War College. He studied Russian, Bulgarian and Vietnamese languages. He received a master's degree from Columbia University in Russian/East European Studies and, as a young officer completed training at the Royal Marine Commando School, Bickleigh, England. In turn, Dick was an instructor at the Ranger Mountain Camp, Delonaga, GA (1956-1958) and as the Director of Soviet & East European Studies, US Army War College, Carlisle, PA (1975-1982)
With his 33-year service Dick received numerous awards and decorations. Among those he cherished most were the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Combat Infantrymen Badge, his 4 Legions of Merit, his 2 Air Medals and the Vietnamese Chuong My award he received from President Thieu for service as a Province Advisor in South Vietnam - 1968-1969.
In addition to Vietnam, his service took him tours of duty in Korea, Germany, the Soviet Union and Bulgaria.
In retirement Colonel Rodney served as a planner, planning supervisor and Special Assistant to the Director at the PA Emergency Management Agency.
He was an active volunteer in chapel and children's sports activities at Carlisle Barracks and in retirement from the military he was active in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Carlisle Rotary, the Cumberland County Honor Guard, and the Retired Officers' Association.
Colonel Rodney enjoyed golf and tennis and for the past several years he loved to play duplicate bridge at the Harrisburg and Camp Hill Bridge Clubs.
Surviving are his wife, Kathleen (Ohlmann) Rodney, and son, Lt. Col. (Ret) Christopher Erik Rodney, 2 grandchildren, Summer and Taylor of Carlisle and a sister, Mary Anne Knopf , of Boca Raton, FL.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church, Marsh Drive at 11:00 AM May 14, 2022. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 AM until time of Mass. Military Honors by the Cumberland County Honor Guard will follow. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the St. Patrick's Shrine Church Restoration Fund, 152 E. Pomfret St. Carlisle, PA 17013.
On line condolences at www.ronanfh.com