Robert Roda

ROBERT CHARLES “CHUCK” RODA, a lifelong resident of Cold Spring and Garrison, NY, died on September 15, 2025 in Peekskill, NY. He was 82.

Born in 1943 in Nyack, NY, to the late Wilhelmina Barbara Hines and Robert Gamble Roda, Chuck was an avid outdoorsman and educator, and lived a rich life, filled with family, friends, and public service. He is survived by his siblings: JoAnn, Rick, and Mary; his children: Cheryl, Jeff, and Jay; and his grandchildren: Henry, Charlotte, and Ella.

After graduating from Haldane High School in 1960, Chuck received a degree in Education from SUNY New Paltz in 1964. He went on to teach Social Studies at Blue Mountain Middle School, in Cortlandt for many years until his retirement in 1999. He received a Masters in Education along the way. As an educator, Chuck looked beyond the walls of his school and developed a curriculum for the Middle School Outdoor Residency Program, leading retreats to locales such as Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill.

Service was of great importance to Chuck. He was a committed member and officer of the Garrison Volunteer Fire Company as well as the Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Chuck was also a longtime member and dedicated officer of The Garrison Fish & Game Club, where he served as Secretary to the Board for many years, then ascended to Club President for several more, and was instrumental in reviving the bylaws of the club.

Additionally, he was an early advocate and promoter of the Venison Donation Program that was established by The Garrison Fish & Game Club in Putnam County, NY. After stepping down from official officer duties, Chuck continued his service to the club as a board member for many more years.

Though the Cold Spring and Garrison areas were his places of residence, Chuck spent much of his time, and nearly his entire retirement, at his beloved Adirondack retreat, a cabin on Joe Indian Pond, in Parishville, NY, that he referred to simply as “camp”.

It was here he further explored his outdoor interests, including hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, and long ATV and snowmobile rides. His greater joy, though, came from sharing this all with his family, friends, and neighbors. His commitment to education continued here as well, as Chuck had a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of plants, animals, insects, and birds. He took great pleasure in teaching these things, but his real delight came from watching people learn them.

Chuck will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. There will be a private service for him in Garrison, NY, on October 25th.