Roderick "Rod" Osborne

BOSCAWEN – Roderick "Rod" Osborne, 70, died Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at his home with his beloved wife, Donna and daughters, Sammi and Sara surrounding him in comfort and love.

Rod was born on April 4th of 1947 in Hartford Conn., to Norman and Elizabeth (MacLean) Osborne.  He grew up in Glastonbury, Conn.. and was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School in Massachusetts with the class of 1965.  Rod Served in the United States Army and eventually moved to Concord before he ultimately settled in the Boscawen area. Rod was admired by the staff and patients of the New Hampshire Hospital where he had worked for 43 years as a Recreational Activity Therapist in the Rehab Department. He retired on Dec. 20, 2012, which former Governor John Lynch declared as "Rod Osborne Day".

Rod was an avid golfer and a past member of Canterbury Woods Country Club. One of his favorite golf memories was getting a hole in one at the Strawberry Valley Golf Course in Abington, Mass. He helped to support and organize the annual golf tournament at Denbrae Golf Club in Sanbornton that would benefit Operation Santa Claus on behalf of the NH Hospital State employees. He loved sports, playing for years in the Concord Men's Softball League, State Employee Bowling League, and was a member of the NH Hospital and Concord Men's League Basketball teams. In addition, Rod loved and excelled at tennis, horseshoes, racquetball, and ping pong. One of his main passions was to watch his children play sports, including baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and his favorite, basketball. He was his children's biggest fan when it came to sports and in life. Rod loved football and was a dedicated Patriot's fan. He enjoyed trips to Foxwoods with his wife Donna, and work buddies.

Rod was a talented guitarist and singer, playing in several bands throughout his entire life. He enjoyed playing and reminiscing about his memories in Red Sun, Back Track, and Haze. He even organized a family band that played for many benefit dances as well as memorable gigs at New Hampshire Hospital where the patients fondly named the group "Rod's Band". He passed down his musical legacy and talents to both of his sons, Chris and Tyson, who continue to play music. His love of life and family, and the sound of his laughter will forever be remembered.

Rod was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Betty Osborne, as well as his sister, Nancy Terry Osborne.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Donna (Dorr) Osborne of Boscawen; two sons, Christopher Osborne and his wife, Susan of Weare and Tyson Osborne and his wife, Sarah of Littleton, Colo.; two daughters, Samantha Osborne and Sara Osborne of Boscawen; his five grandchildren, Giavanna Osborne of Weare, Ariah, Landyn, Harrison and Emersyn all of Littleton, Colo.; a brother, Kenneth Osborne and his companion, Sandy MacConnell of Bedford; nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends whom loved him dearly.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Wendell J. Butt Funeral Home, 42 Washington St., Penacook.  

A Celebration of Rod's Life will be held the following day. He will be laid to rest at a later date in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Rod Osborne Memorial Scholarship fund to benefit his children's college education, ? Donna Osborne, 247 Queen St Boscawen NH 03303, or the Concord Hospital Office of Philanthropy to benefit the Payson Center for Cancer Care located at 250 Pleasant street Concord, NH 03301.