CLINTON – Mr. Rodger A. “Rog” Pape, Sr., age 79, went home to the Lord when he passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 24, 2019 in the comfort of his home. Born in Utica on July 9, 1939, Rodger was the son of the late Henry and Clara (Snyder) Pape. He attended Utica Free Academy.
Rodger was united in marriage with the former Christine Jakubowski on November 16, 2013. They found renewed love and companionship during their years together. He was previously married to the former Mary J. Moccaldi on May 14, 1966 until her passing on March 14, 2012, and from that union came the blessing of their two children.
Rodger was employed by Chicago Pneumatic as a Tool Maker and Foreman for the Tool Crib and Cutting Grind. He later held a position as Supervisor at the Munson Machinery Company. Lastly, he worked at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center as a MVO.
In retirement, Rog found a second home at the Inlet Golf Club where he worked in a number of capacities. It was “a dream come true”. Rodger was a humorist with his own unique style of ribbing others, and there was never a dull moment when you were in his company.
He never looked his age because his stubborn streak kept his adrenaline flowing and his mind and body going. He had indelible stamina. Rog was a man of his word and was always on time.
He was also a handyman and a helpful soul, ready to assist family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. His children, grandchildren, and family were his first commitment and their wellbeing was paramount. When he cooked it was breakfast food and he was King of the Grill.
He was great at woodworking, and precision in this craft was important to him. He loved dogs and trained his family pets. A sportsman from his youth, Rog played hockey, football, and baseball, and in later years, he coached his son’s teams and other area youth sports.
He was appointed the Softball Commissioner for District #8 of State of New York. He accrued a wealth of knowledge and experience that he utilized when he coached and officiated at hockey, baseball, soccer, softball, and volleyball competitions at area schools and youth associations. An avid, competitive golfer and a huge outdoorsman, he loved the North country and the Adirondacks, especially Inlet.
He enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting, and was an advocate for the conservation of nature. Myrtle Beach was his second love because he could spend winters on the golf course, visit with his daughter and Lisa, and enjoy dining out. His Catholic faith was central to his life.
As a member of the Kiwanis Club, he participated in local service projects to improve the lives of children and adults. He also volunteered at numerous local non-profits, especially The Root Farm, because he always had a place in his heart for those with special needs. Rodger is survived by his wife, Christine; his daughter, Marianne T. Pape and Lisa “Weezie” Blindenhofer; his son and daughter-in-law, Rodger A., Jr. and Amy Pape; and his grandchildren to whom he was poppy, Noelle Sophia Pape, and Elise Violet Pape.
He also leaves his in-laws, Joseph P. and Debra Moccaldi, Kathleen Moccaldi and Randy Naylor, and Jeffrey and Patty Jakubowski; nieces and nephews, Caitlyn/PA and Adam Graff, Rachel Moccaldi, and Brady Moccaldi who were loved as his own grandchildren, Sr. Marlene Pape/SSJ, and Mary Anne Sangiacomo/PA; his great nieces, Alana and Jennifer; and great-great-niece, Emma; his mother-in-law, Betty J. Jakubowski; and his beloved friends, Kevin Brady, Gary and Mary Rose Werner, Tom Slocum, Tim White, Mike Beck, and Doug Taffi, as well as those who made their home at the Demmings Lakeside Park and Applewood Community (and those who played Bingo together), and the Turning Stone, and Vernon Downs buddies. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Clara (Snyder) Pape; sister, Marlene Ann Pape; brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Bessie Pape; and dear friend, Jeff Tucker. The family extends their gratitude to the New Hartford Police and Edwards Ambulance who were phenomenal and so compassionate; and to special longtime friends Darcy and Tom Locke who were so comforting during this untimely passing.
Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00-7:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rodger’s funeral service and Celebration of life will commence on Friday evening at 7:30 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Root Farm online at www.
rootfarm.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Rodger A. “Rog” Pape Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
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