Michael A. Roda
Posted By DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory On August 24, 2021 @ 1:32 pm In Obituaries | 41 Comments
On August 23rd, 2021, Mike peacefully left this earth to be reunited with his heavenly father after bravely battling early onset dementia for 11 years.
Mike was married to his high school sweetheart, Christine, for 47 amazing years and is survived by his four children and five grandchildren – Michele, Aileen (married to Shea Stevens with their daughter Rowan and son Colton), Matthew (married to Helen with their daughters Caroline and Amelia) and Adam (married to Katharine with their son Clayton).
He was a devout member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church where he faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister and also volunteered. Mike was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 – 1976 and he loved his job as an MRI Tech for 33 years for the MRI Group.
Mike was an avid bike rider and loved painting. Mike’s favorite thing to do was spending time with his grandchildren, rolling around on the ground and making them laugh by being the goofball that he was. In his spare time, you’d catch him watching reruns of the Three Stooges and King of Queens.
Mike’s love for Notre Dame football was always apparent and he enjoyed many tailgate parties with family, as well as traveling to South Bend a few times to watch a game in person.
As a father to his children when they were younger, he was always active and present in their lives and coached his two son’s baseball teams. Mike was the epitome of what a father and husband should be, so he will be sorely missed by all of us.
We would like to extend a special THANK YOU to his caregiver, Carmen, who cared for and loved Mike like he was her own family. He always lit up when he heard her voice.
To quote his favorite song and to summarize the way in which he exemplified what a faith-based life looks like, “Don’t stop believing – hold on to that feeling.”
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St, Columbia, PA 17512 on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike’s memory may be made to: Holy Trinity Catholic Church at the address listed above.
Condolences for the family of “Michael A. Roda”
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all! He has a terrific family and extended family who loved him very much!❤️❤️
So very sorry to hear of cousin Mike’s passing. He is now with Uncle Bot and Aunt Jean and for that we can be happy for him. You all are in my prayers.
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you. I cherish the memories of all the carpooling to basketball and listening to the oldies .
Deepest condolences to the Roda family. I haven’t seen Michael
since he was a young child. His parents & family were wonderful, loving people. These attributes were passed to their children.
Dolores Segro – Biedenkapp
Prayers and Condolences to the Roda Family. Michael and family lived next door to our family growing up on Lemon Street. They were a caring and loving family.
The Joseph and Josephine Caterbone Family
Prayers and Condolences to the Roda Family. Michael and family lived next door to our family on Lemon St. They were a caring and loving family.
The Joseph and Josephine Caterbone Family
Chris and family,
Such sad news to hear of Mike’s passing. We have many fond memories of him when we were neighbors. Thinking of you all.
Blessings, Scott and Patti Roda
Chris,
So very sorry to hear of Mike’s and passing. Prayers for you & your family.
Kathy (Wittensoldner) & Jim Wiley
Prayers and Sympathy to the Roda Family! We grew up next door to them on Lemon Street. They were a loving respectful family!
The Joseph and Josephine. Caterbone Family!
I went to grade school and high school with Mike. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Sending prayers and hugs to all of you.
During High School at Lancaster Catholic my best friend was Mike Roda. We traveled different roads after graduation, Mike established his career and family in Lancaster and I eventually moved to Florida. We were united again when my Godchild (Katherine) married Mikes son Adam. I grew up with Mike and his family, his parents treated me like their fourth son. Mike was a big Three Stooges Fan and could do an excellent Curley impression. He amazed me with his ability to draw and taught me the only thing in world I can draw, the aardvark from the B.C. cartoon. We were constantly playing football in Buchanan park and we learned (unfortunately) about Boone Farm Apple Wine together. So many great memories, and when I’m talking to Adam I can recognize a lot of Mikes mannerisms. Through the legacy of his incredible children, family and friends Mike , will never be forgotten.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to family and friends.
Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your family. God bless you all at this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Jean Nikolaus
Dear Chris and family,
How very sad, Mike was a great man. I have good memories of him from Sacred Heart and Catholic High. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Anne Hager Marcarelli
Chris and Family
Like Jeff Lombard, I too remember Mike’s artistic talents, particularly his lifelike sketches of his favorite football player, Carlos Alveras #45 Florida Gators, which he drew on his book covers at LCHS. Our prayers go out to this outstanding Catholic gentlemen and his wonderful family.
Bill Kloidt
Chris and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. As a fellow classmate in grade and high school he was a great friend. Words can’t express the sadness I feel for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathies to Chris, the children, and the entire Roda and extended family. May God rest his soul.
I’ve often read and heard that our earthly life is part of our preparation for heaven. It seems that Mike was a good and faithful servant, and I’m happy for him that he is with his Creator.
Prayers for healing and peace to all.
Christine,
I learned this evening at Mass of Mike’s passing. I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Heaven has received another valuable angel.
As Mike’s older brother and on behalf of his siblings, thanks to all of you for your sympathies and sharing your memories of our brother. We were blessed to have shared this earthly journey with him as a brother and are all better off for it. He will be dearly missed by all whose paths joined with Mike’s.
Chris, please accept my sympathies in the loss of your husband Mike. I would see you two in church many times and Mike was and will always be remembered as a terrific husband, father, grandfather and friend. Prayers are with you and your family for strength and comfort. God bless.
Gina (Shenberger) Kuhns
Mike was a great friend to me, especially during grade school at Sacred Heart (we were even suspended together one time) and high school at LCHS. Enjoyed seeing him and Chris at some of our reunions. It is always too early when someone leaves us as he has, but I hope that the family can be at peace knowing that he has joined his father and will be looking over all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the entire family.
Dear Chris and family, I just read of Mike’s passing and I’m praying that heaven will send you gentle comfort right now. Mike was such a gentleman and so sincere and kind. What a faithful couple you always were! Our hearts are with you. . .Mike and Barb (Krall)Tangert
I loved working with Mike at Norlanco . He was amazing and a true friend . I know how much he loved his family. My deepest sympathy , ❤️.
Margie
I was one of Mike’s instructors when he was
in x-ray training . He was a wonderful student – smart, compassionate and caring. He had a marvelous sense of humor and I always enjoyed his company.
His family meant everything to him. He took care of his patients as if they were family as well.
I was saddened when he had to leave his career early, but devastated by the news of his death.
My sympathies to all who knew and loved him. This world is less bright without his light.
Mike was a man with a pure heart and great love for his family. Mike was Radiologic Technologist who went on to become a very talented MRI technologist. He was very bright and had a wonderful sense of humor. May God bless your soul. ..
To Mike’s Wife, Chris, his immediate family, his brothers Bot & Chris,
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mike. He was such a nice guy & a fellow MRI Technologist. He definitely had a dry sense of humor. He is at home with his Heavenly Father & eternal family. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Sincerely,
Patty Sabatini
I am saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. We were classmates in x-ray school and I have many fond memories of that time and then as coworkers. Mike was a kind soul always seeing the good in people. My sympathies for his family for their loss. May your fond memories carry you through this difficult time.God bless his soul.
My condolences to the Roda family. Mike was my coworker and always the guy smiling or getting us laughing. He loved his family and his faith. God bless. He was a man of great faith I admired.
To Chris, Michele, “Beaner”, Mathew, and Adam.
Mike and I worked in MRI for many years together. We shared many stories of our families that I fondly remember.
We saved a patient together while performing CPR. He was a wonderful example of someone who displayed a positive attitude toward all who knew him.
By the way, I STILL have the Cinderella wall mural he painted for our girls. You all are welcome to see it anytime. Our granddaughters will now get to enjoy it.
Someone told me when I lost my father that it hurts so bad because you loved him so hard, and I suspect that holds true for you.
I wish you all well and pray for peace in the coming days ahead.
Chris Weir
Thank you Chris for the kind words
He is definitely missed and he was the absolute best! I still remember him bringing us to your home so we could ride your horses. I now have my own horse business in mount joy ❤️
-Beaner
I knew Mike only through working at LGH. He was a blood donor and stopped by often. When we needed blood or there was an emergency, we called him and he would show up and often bring others with him. I remember him being soft-spoken and had a terrific sense of humor. He is missed!
Dear Christine and Family, please know you have many prayers coming from the Allison family. We’re truly sorry for your loss and will carry Mike in our hearts and memories.
Chris, Michele, Aileen, Matthew , and Adam, we just learned of Mike’s passing. Our deepest thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Doug, Mary Ann, and Nick Gerber
My condolences Mike was a great guy.
I am saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. Mike was an x-ray tech when I was in x-ray school at LGH in the early ‘80s. My condolences to his family and friends.
Dear Chris and Roda Family (entire ) and Mary,
After being told of Mike’s passing today and then reading I had missed the viewing as well.,.. I could feel a pit starting to grow in my throat.
Then started to smile when recalling all the memories back in the day. Even if us Allison’s haven’t seen or been in touch with you, Chris, and Mike for years. It is true though, that great relationships can pick up even after many years.
It was always Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Bot to us “Allison kids”, even if we weren’t truly related. I remember Buchanan Park football games watching Mike, Chad and other brothers. I would always think, “Man…. That’s gotta hurt to hit the frozen ground like that!” ☺️
Mike had the best smile too , didn’t he??
I remember seeing Mike and Chad a lot back in those days. Always great times to remember.
Mike touched many people in his life. That is apparent by the wonderful notes others have wrote.
God Bless you,
Kit Allison Castillo
To the entire Roda family,
It is with a very heavy heart that I pass on my deepest sympathies for Mike’s passing. I only heard about it this past Saturday. Mike was a very special soul and was a true friend to all that were lucky enough to know him. We haven’t seen each other for a long time, but there was a time when we spent a lot of time together
over the summer’s in Rohrerstown. I always knew he would turn out to be a great husband and father just like his dad. May he rest in peace along with his mom and dad, and may his family take comfort in knowing his suffering is now over. Denise Amico Glatfelter
Chris and Family:
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I will always remember him being so funny especially in grade school. Prayers to you all and cherish the beautiful memories. So very sad to hear about this. May God watch over you all. Betty (Viscuso) Heffner
Dear Roda Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss of Mike. As a brother, father, husband and/or other relative it is always difficult to say goodbye as they go to their new home in heaven. May your wonderful memories sustain you through this most trying time.
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Very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I’m not sure we ever met but he sounded like a good and gracious soul. May God shine His Peptual light upon him.