Robert J. Roder, Jr.

Robert J. Roder, Jr., of Goode, Virginia, passed away in Lynchburg, Virginia, at the age of eighty-five on April 19, 2021.  Known as both “Bob” and “Rob,” he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son.

Bob was born in Philadelphia on December 7, 1935 to Elizabeth (Pauli) Roder and Robert J. Roder, Sr.  He attended North Catholic High School and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, New York.  Spending his sophomore year at sea, Bob was proud to say that he had been in twenty-five countries before he turned twenty-one.  After graduation from King’s Point, he served six months in the U.S. Navy before beginning his service with the Merchant Marines.

After leaving the Merchant Marines, Bob got in on the ground floor of the computer era in the early 1960s, inspired by his much-loved uncle, Hank Roder.  Back in those days, when computers took up entire rooms, he predicted that someday there would be a computer in every home.  Bob worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance and Avon and later on as a freelance computer consultant.

Bob met his future wife, Rita, who was born in Ireland, at a dance in New York City, and they were married in November 1962.  Bob spent the rest of his life supporting her connection to her Irish family by going to Ireland with her as often as possible.  In Ireland, he enjoyed spending time with Rita’s family, setting up scavenger hunts for his children and nieces and nephews, and visiting the beach at Spanish Point.  He was a huge advocate for the educational and athletic endeavors of his three daughters, Siobhan, Julie, and Aileen.  He attended their school events, softball games, and track and field meets on a regular basis, and he was always willing to assist his daughters in practicing their softball skills.

Bob was a huge fan of Notre Dame Football and spent many decades loyally rooting on the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Eagles and the oft-disappointing New York Jets.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Robert Roder, Sr.; his brothers, Ken Roder and Mark Roder; his parents-in-law, Mary and Michael Flanagan; his sisters-in-law, Anne Roder, Maura Lillis, Bridget McCarthy, and Anna Shannon; his brothers-in-law, P.J. Lillis, Michael McCarthy, and Thomas Donnellan; and his niece, Imy Lillis.  He is survived by his wife, Rita (Flanagan) Roder; his daughter, Siobhan Roder-Cox; his daughter, Julie (Roder) Cutbush, and her husband, Clayton Cutbush; and his daughter, Aileen Roder.  He is also survived by his four grandchildren:  Madison Romine, Jackson Romine, Cole Romine, and Jason Cox.  Additionally, Bob is survived by his sister, Marina Roder;  his brother, Thomas, and Thomas’ wife, Betty; his sister, Laura (Roder) Bangert, and her husband, John Bangert; his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Roder, Ann Roder, and Philomena Donnellan; his brother-in-law, Senan Shannon; and many loving nieces and nephews, both in the United States and in Ireland.

A Mass for Bob will be held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Virginia, on Saturday, May 15th, at 11:00 a.m.