Rod was born on December 5, 1939 in Rochester, NY. He
graduated from Edison Technical High School in 1958 with a concentration in
electronics, and pursued a career in electronics repair. (https://www.air-inc.com He worked in the
repair department at Alharts appliance store in Rochester, Tri County
Electronics in Oneonta, Reed TV in Penfield, and ultimately his own business,
Goodspeed Electronics, in Fairport. He was very enterprising, had many
interests, and was able to pursue several other part-time careers based upon
those interests.
He loved music, and in his early years worked behind the
scenes in radio stations in Rochester and Buffalo as an engineer (in the days
when DJ’s didn’t spin their own records). He fondly remembered working
beside the now deceased Casey Kasem, who played the voice of “Shaggy” in the
hit cartoon Scooby Doo, as well as DJ of a nationwide top 40 show. Rodney
loved movies, and worked part time as a projectionist in many movie theaters
throughout the state, including in Norwich, Utica and Rochester areas.
Rod and his (former) wife Patricia raised their three
children in Edmeston, NY, subsequently moved to Fairport. He is
predeceased by his mother and father, Charles and Beatrice Goodspeed,
granddaughters Katelyn Ideman, and Madison Ideman. Survived by sons Noel
of Sidney, NY, Emery of Fairport, NY, daughter Kerry Goodspeed-Ideman of
Indianapolis, 5 grandchildren (Gavin and Donovan Ideman; Paige, Cole, and
Elizabeth Goodspeed); 2 great grandchildren, and former wife, Patricia, of
Fairport.
Rod was always known as a fun-loving trickster. He
loved his family, was outgoing, and loved having his children’s friends
visit. His favorite holiday was Christmas due to his likeness to
Santa Claus. He spent the Christmas season greeting all with a “Ho, Ho,
Ho!” His second favorite being Halloween, when he would decorate the
front porch and rig up sound effects that perhaps scared away at least a few
unsuspecting children.
Rod’s hobbies included shooting family movies, metal
detecting, and playing with his HAM radio (KC2ZXX). Two particular
qualities that Rod will be remembered for are his amazing ability to draw maps
– his directions rivaled Mapquest. He will also be remembered for his
ability to pack anything – a car trunk, a suitcase, a box – his spatial
relations were second to none. He once packed for a two-week
vacation with 2 adults, 3 children and 2 dogs, suitcases, the baby’s high
chair, play pen, and several games and sundry toys– all in a very tiny
Honda. He enjoyed taking the long way home, always the most scenic
route. Two quotes seem fitting when describing his nature. “All who
wander are not lost” -J.R.R. Tolkien “It’s not the destination,
It’s the journey.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
While Rod was an only child, he had very close bonds with
extended family in both the North Country and in the New Berlin/Edmeston area.
There will be a celebration of life at Elks Lodge in Webster on Wednesday,
September 25th 4-7 p.m. Cash bar and light snacks will be available.
Graveside service will be at Union Cemetery, Edmeston, NY on Saturday,
September 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. followed by gathering from 3-6 p.m. at the Elks
Lodge in Sidney, NY. Also with a cash bar and light snacks provided.
Choose whichever celebration is fitting for you based on your location. His
graveside service will be to unite his ashes with his mother and father.