Harrison Eugene "Babo" Rodkey, 75, of 240 Spruce Street, entered eternal rest on Thursday October 16, 2003 in Community General Osteopathic Hospital.Harrison loved life with his family and enjoyed entertaining his friends and neighbors with his joyful sense of humor.
He was a very well known member of the community of Middletown. He was retired from Penn State University, Harrisburg, where he worked as a Maintenance Mechanic.
He was honorably discharged and served in the U. S. Navy, during World War II, as an Ensign and the Navy Seabees and from the United States Marine Corps.
He was a life member of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Harrisburg; the Fourth Marine Division Association; Middletown American Legion Post 594; the Penbrook VFW Post 718; a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters; and a member of Citizens Fire Company #1, Penbrook.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia A.; children, Sandy Gaffney of Middletown, Eugene M.Rodkey of Harrisburg, Susan Hunt of Mechanicsburg, Susan Smerick of Mount Joy, Sharon Kayes of Middletown; two sisters, Sara Koln of Harrisburg and Karen Radic of Harrisburg; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. His parents Naomi P. and Elmer E. Rodkey preceded him in death.
There will be no viewing. Burial will be private, at the discretion of the family, in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery,where Harrison will be honored with full military honors. The family will receive friends and relatives prior to a memorial service celebrating Harrison's life on Tuesday,October 21, 2003 from 7 to 8 at the funeral home, located at Main and Pine Streets, Middletown. Commerative Life Services will commence at 8 p.m. with Rev. Paul F. Zieber, Pastor of the Evangelical United Methodist Church, Middletown, officiating.
Published in the Patriot News from October 18 to October 19, 2003.