Roderick Christman was born in Sodus, NY on October 9th, 1970 to Joan and Mahlon Christman. At the age of 53, Rod passed away on September 18th, 2024 due to natural causes.
He is survived by his other half, his wife Cindy Christman, their three children, Mercedes Moore, Joseph Christman, and Alexandra Christman. Rod put a lot of importance on family which was evident in the way he loved and spoiled his grandchildren, Kiara-Talia Moore and Kieran Moore. This strong significance on family stems from his own large family and sibling bond with his surviving brothers and sisters Charlene Mullens, Darlene Schoonmaker, Karlene Dodge, Rodney Christman, Marlene Stadtmiller, Randal Christman, Rhonda Orlick, and his nieces and nephews.
Roderick’s work reflected what he loved, which was cooking for others. He spent over 30 years in the foodservice industry, most notable for his time at JG Crummers, the Log Cabin, and the Salvation Army. He achieved an associates degree in Business Administrations with hopes to open a restaurant one day.
He loved watching birds fly into the birdhouses that he strategically placed in his yard, and kept the feeders full, so the birds would nest around his home. A hobby that he inherited from his mother.
The most memorable qualities Rod possessed were his charisma and selflessness. Wherever he would go, you would hear someone calling out his name. If you didn’t know him, you would quickly notice the way he could walk into a room, and immediately make everyone feel welcomed. He easily captured your attention with the way he told a story or with his laugh that could be heard a mile away. Whether you knew Rod or it was your first time meeting him, he would greet you like a friend, and as soon as you set foot into his house you became family.
Another thing about Rod is that he knew how to have a good time, whether it was with a group of people or just with his wife, Cindy. He took joy in hosting events and parties, and putting together trips for his family. He often shared his love for food whether it was finding a great eatery or cooking a big meal for his family. Sharing a table with Rod was home. He taught his friends and family a love for views, the ocean, historic sites, and of course, good food. He always took joy in all things, big or small.
Roderick Christman is a name that will not be forgotten to the lives he has touched. Despite passing at a young age, he lived a very fulfilling life. He was a very hard working man, and was proud of his family and the life he had created with his beautiful wife. He truly wanted the best for everyone and he wore his heart on his sleeve to give to those who needed him.
Rod would want everyone to keep loving, laughing, and living life to its fullest potential. Keep family and friends close, and to never stop moving.
Calling hours will be held on October 19th, at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, from 11am to 1pm. (7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450)Pictures with and of Rod are welcomed and encouraged. Please send them to alexgchristman@gmail.com.
Additionally, the family decided to run a food drive with Pittsford Food Cupboard in honor of Roderick Christman. Instead of sending flowers to the funeral for the calling hours, if you wish to send something they ask that you instead donate to the food drive. They will accept cash donations and any non-perishables. The family believes this is something Roderick would have wanted since he had such a passion for food and people and thoroughly enjoyed giving back. For more, visit http://pittsfordfoodcupboard.net
Comments
12 responses to “Christman, Roderick”
Just unbelievable that he passed. It feels like a bad nightmare. Roderick was more than just a brother in law. He was and will always be a great friend. He helped us so much with our house when we moved in. We went to several football games together. Dallas Cowboys game in Dallas, Bills vs Cowboys. And Clevland Browns trip. It was alot of fun spending time with him. We always laughed and had a great time together. Countless camping trips and getaways with family were the best. Roderick was a lot of fun and will be missed. I am so glad that he stopped over the house a few weeks ago helping with the kitchen remodel. We worked and of course laughed. Good times spent with him I will never forget. RIP Roderick
Rod,
You will truly be missed. Iv’e known no one ever who loved as hard as you did. I aspire to live and love as much as you did. Cindy, Mercedes, Joseph and Alexandra my condolences and love….
💕
I have so many wonderful memories of Rod from working together at the log cabin. He really was always there for everyone, ready to lend a hand or offer encouragement. I was blessed to have had him pass back through my life just recently at Wegmans where I worked. His wonderful smile and laugh truly lit up a room and it was like we never were away from each other. RIP my dear friend
This was truly shocking news. Thank you for sharing him with us! He really was one of a kind. I always appreciated his kindness. He was blessed. He showed compassion, empathy, resilience and an unbelievable zest for life. If you were ever in his presence and was able to see and feel those qualities in him you know you were touched by an angel. God bless
Met Rod through mutual friends Jason Falzone and Jeff Saucenburg . Loved that laugh and sense of humor right off the bat . Met his brother Randy and again became friends . We always ended up running into each other around the clubs friends parties and homes . Camping trips and great memories . He will be remembered with me and missed . Stay strong and love together .
I am still in shock by the passing of such a great and fun person! Rod,I remember when 23and a half years ago I came into work at the Log Cabin and told everyone that I was having my first Grandchild. I see you to this day with your big smile and load laughter saying “GRANNIE ANNIE!” so when my daughter said what will the baby call you mom? I told her about you!! And to this day it is GRANNIE ANNIE!! However my grandchildren have add CRAZY GRANNIE TO IT! I can hear you agreeing! RIP my coworker and friend. Love and prayers 🙏🏼 ❤️ for your family!
I didn’t know him too well. He was my brother’s brother-in-law. (Chris Orlick) but I remember his laugh. And he was a lot of fun to be around.
Hugs to the family and my niece and nephews.
Well what can I say about Roderick Roderick was a funny funny kid and we were growing up had a lot of good times up on the farm love to be around the farm as we grow older we were still as close as we were when we were younger which was the blessing the Christmas family in the Durant family had a great Bond that will never go away I will miss you Mafia man as your uncle Ward would call you we love and miss you so much I just wanted to say you’re the man dude you’re the man we always seem to get in trouble all of us kids together your brothers and sisters my brothers and sisters you look greatly be missed by all of us lov ing loving kisses hugs tell everyone in heaven which I know that you’re going to have your wings because that’s the way that you are you love people people love you the way that you were not for what you can do for them may you rest in peace little cousin you will always be remembered love always your big cousin Vicky
Rodney & Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Roderick. Please know you all are in my thoughts & prayers.
Cindy and family.
I was so very saddened to learn of Roderick’s untimely passing. Rod grew up with my boys and they shared many happy times over the past 40 years. I will always remember his love of life and family and the heart filled greeting and hug he gave whenever I saw him. He will be missed.
I was shocked to hear the news about Roderick. I remember his laugh most of all. He was always so kind and funny. My prayer go out to the Christman family.
Rod & I grew up together.. I can’t remember exactly WHEN we met but I know we were hanging out in middle school. We were always together..so much so that people had nicknames for us: “Grape Ape & Beagley Beagley” (due to our EXTREME size difference lol) I’m sure only us OLD FOLKS will remember THAT cartoon lol.. We double dated on our Senior Ball… We remained close throughout the years but not as close as we’d probably like due to life/family responsibilities..but everytime we got together, we’d pick up right where we left off as if it had only been one day.
When my son was born, Rod was the FIRST one that showed up to congratulate us. He brought a “It’s a BOY” balloon and a package of candy cane cigars.. THAT was 20yrs ago…I STILL have the balloon although it has since deflated..but sadly the candy cigars were some rodent’s snack in storage lol.
When my father passed away, Rod was one of the first ones to call me to console me. Then proceeded to tell me how much my father meant to him..that he always appreciated the way he(and my Mother)took him in & treated him like family. Especially when his own father passed. I was touched as I hadn’t realized how much he meant to Rod. Now you get to tell him yourself buddy.
😊🙏
You are sorely missed and deeply loved by SO MANY! I swear I can STILL hear your thunderous, infectious laughter from down here! lol 😂
Love ya little brother!
-Jason (Grape Ape 🦍)