Russell E. Roden

Russell E. Roden, 83, formerly of Downingtown, died peacefully, Tuesday March 4, 2014, at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA. Born in New Britain, CT, he was a son of the late Roy A. and Hazel (Hinde) Roden. He was the husband of Joan (Sanborn) Roden, and they celebrated 59 years of marriage in May 2013. He was a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY. Russell was an aerospace engineer for Hamilton Standard/United Technologies for 35 years before retiring in 1987. After retiring he worked for the U.S. Dept. of Defense as Deputy Chief Contracts Inspector for 7 years. Russell was a member of Saint Mark’s Masonic Lodge #36 of Simsbury, CT, RPI Alumni Association of Troy, NY, the U.S. Navy League, CT Aeronautical Historical Association, Bradley Air Museum, Experimental Aircraft Association, and the CT Federal Association

Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters, Rosalyn and spouse Gregory Jette, Simsbury, CT, Susan and spouse Larry Lunsford, Renton, WA, Kimberly Robinson and spouse Bernadette Hinkle, Downingtown, PA; six grandchildren Kristin & Taylor Jette, Elias and Ian Lunsford, and Erik & Emily Robinson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Roy Charles Roden.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, on the grounds at the Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA on Sunday March 9, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. There will be public viewing on Sunday at Sell Chapel from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Local services in Simsbury along with interment will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Russell’s memory may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg PA 17110, or to Masonic Charities, Office of Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022.