Dads walking home…….Surrounded by loving family.

We share the passing of Rodman S. Pike of Ascutney, Vt. Rod grew up in Audubon, NJ and was a graduate of Audubon High School class of 1949. Returning for many years to attend reunions and Homecoming football games. A graduate of Rutgers University with a B.A. he then joined the US Army. His service through end of war Europe would take him throughout many countries, his love of photography brought home journeys of handsome landscapes, war buddies & glimpses of post war humanity. He married Jo-anne Pike, settled into family life, became a father, adored working in the yard tending to flowers, birds & gardening, magnificent hours were spent planting trees, shrubs and vegetables, at the end of the day he could often be found swinging in the hammock reading the evening paper. Rod was an avid and boisterous Phillies fan and never missed Kate Smith singing God Bless America prior to a Flyers games. His love for music crossed many genre, however, classical music was a favorite. His collection of war novels and nonfiction would yield endless hours of reading. He moved to Vermont in 1978, worked for the US Postal Service and enjoyed tinkering in his basement restoring or renovating near anything. He was a serious collector of trains, baseball cards and vintage beer cans. Rod had quite a sense of humor and loved all things Benny Hill, Monty Python & Johnny Carson. Rod gave generously to various charities, however, Military/Veteran based needs were paramount. Rod is predeceased by his adoring parents, Stewart & Betty Pike, his endearing wife, Joanne Pike, kind son in law Michael Palermo & beloved granddaughter, Michelle Pacella. He is survived by his loving children, Alice (Thomas) Pitoscia, Eileen (William) Durnin, Leslie Palermo and Brian (Robin) Pike. Several grandchildren, great grand-children, cousins, nieces, nephews & wonderful neighbors, the Davis's. The family offers heartfelt thanks to everyone that impacted Rods life with kindness, grace and love including several gentle caregivers and VNH Hospice. Rods life with be celebrated with a memorial service September 23rd from noon to 4PM at 46 Thrasher Rd, Ascutney, VT.