Rodney C. Abare

     Rodney C. Abare of Schley Drive passed away Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Samaritan Summit Village.

     Rod was a Watertown native born on February 7, 1931 to E. Roland and Cecile H. Lowe Abare. After his graduation from Watertown High School, Rod proudly enlisted in the US Army. He served his country with pride from January 18, 1951 to December 18, 1953.  While enlisted, he served in the Korean War.  He was awarded a Purple Heart for his brave sacrifices. On December 18, 1965 Rodney was united in marriage to Marjorie Simmons in Watertown, NY where the couple continued to live and raise a family. Marjorie preceded him in death on September 24, 2014.

     Rod spent much of his career working in media and communications. He began his professional career at the Johnson Corporation’s television and radio stations in Watertown. He then moved forward in his career and was employed by the Watertown Daily Times as the Personnel and Purchasing Manager until his retirement. Rod was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Watertown where he served on the board of trustees and as their Treasurer. He also served on the Flower Memorial Library Board and volunteered in their Genealogy Department. Here, Rod developed a love for genealogy that would lead to him spending countless hours researching the family tree and sharing his findings with loved ones.  He was a member of the American Legion Post # 61 and Watertown Kiwanis Club, where he served as President.

      Also lovingly referred to as “Hot Rod,” he cherished his family and friends.  Rod will be remembered for his quick wit and mild manner that brought joy to everyone around him. He had a passion for sports, golf being his favorite pastime. Rod found pleasure in coaching little league and attending a wide variety of regional sporting events with his children. When not coaching he was always there supporting and cheering from the sidelines.  

     He is survived by five children; Debra Abare of Orlando, FL, Garry (Monica) of Orlando, FL, Larry (Lynda) of Phoenix, AZ, Becky Abare Thomas, Casey (Karen) of Watertown, NY.  He is also survived by Shirley Abare, of Orlando, FL his former spouse.  He was also predeceased by his brother Toney Abare and his sister Sandra Hermann.

     Rod was proud to be a grandfather of 11, great grandfather of 1 and uncle to several nieces and nephews. He was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather that will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts.

     Calling hours will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A graveside service will be held Thursday at 11am in Brookside Cemetery with Reverend Jeffrey Nowak, officiating. Burial is in the Brookside Cemetery Memorial Garden with military honors.  Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.   Condolences maybe made at www.dlcalarco.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodney C. Abare, please visit our floral store.