Paul M. Rodda

Paul M. Rodda, 95, of Dallas, passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp.

Born in Woodstock, Va., Paul was the son of the late Dr. Kenn Stryker-Rodda and Harriet Mott Rodda and was a graduate of James Madison High School, Brooklyn, N.Y., Class of 1943. He was the recipient there of the General George Wingate Medal for athletics, was a member of Arista, and the Alexander Medal School Art League of New York City. Paul was a graduate of Princeton University with a BA in architecture, magna cum laude, 1948 (elected to Phi Beta Kappa; member of Triangle Club, Theater Intime and Terrace Club). He was a graduate of Princeton University School with an MFA in architecture & urban design, 1951 (Held Proctor Fellowship).

Paul served his country proudly with the Army in Germany during World War II as a private in the 45th Division (Thunderbird Div).

Paul was a designer/craftsman for Bechtel Corp., San Francisco, Calif., 1948-49.

He moved to the Wyoming Valley as a designer with Lacy, Atherton & Davis, Wilkes-Barre, 1952. He entered his private practice in 1960, as the firm of Allen, Rodda & Hauck, Architects. Since 1975, he practiced as Paul M. Rodda, Architect, with registrations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Florida and certification of NCARB.

His many affiliations were, First Presbyterian Church, Wilkes-Barre (taught communications class, deacon, and elder); past member, secretary, president, Northeastern PA Chapter, American Institute of Architects (served on Board of Pennsylvania Society of Architects); past member and chair, Area Appearance Committee, W-B Redevelopment Authority; past member, commodore, Harveys Lake Yacht Club; member and Paul Harris recipient and president, Bulletin editor of The Rotary Club of Dallas; Charter member #13, Flagon & Trencher: (descendants of Colonial Tavern keepers as well as Charter member #13 Descendants of Founders of New Jersey); "Cousin," Wyckoff House and Association; member, Ancient and Honorable Massachusetts Field Artillery (Sergeant); member, The Hereditary Order of Descendants of the Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution; member, Wyoming Valley Chapter, International Torch Club; and volunteer, Slightly Read Books shop at the Back Mountain Memorial Library.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Rodda, in 2018; sister, Andrea Stryker-Rodda; and brother, Ellsworth Natton Rodda.

Surviving are daughters, Abby Aristeo of Dallas; The Rev. Nancy Topelewski of East Lempster, N.H.; and Jenni Rodda Loory, Mamaroneck, N.Y.; and granddaughter, Audrey, Beverly, Mass.

A celebration of life will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 2940 Memorial Hwy., Dallas. Condolences can be sent at Disquefuneralhome.com.