John Earle Rode

1937 - 2018

John Rode, entrepreneur and inventor, passed peacefully August 2nd, 2018, at his home in Montgomery County. He is survived by his devoted wife, Adelaida.John was born in Minneola, New York, March 18, 1937, the only child of Earle Rode and Ruth Metzger. He attended New York City Public schools and graduated from Bronx High School of Science. He received his engineering degree from Iowa State University in 1959 and went on to earn a Masters Degree at the University of New Mexico in 1963.John Rode founded Temper Corporation in Pennsylvania in 1969 and relocated it to its present home in Fonda, New York in 1971. Temper is a high tech company, manufacturing stainless steel products, including adjustable spacers, sensor housings, magnet rings and jet engine seals, all designed and patented by Mr. Rode. Their product line includes custom designed precision items made nowhere else in the world. For many years, John was an active member in the Chief Executives Network, an Albany based organization of small manufacturers. He was presented the New York State entrepreneur of the year award in 2001. Temper Corporation acquired the honorable distinction of New York State small business manufacturer of the year in 2000. John's unfailing energy and his unfailing optimism were at the heart of Temper's success.John had a love for fish, and fishing. In his youth he tied colorful flies for fly fishing and later in life raised tropical fish at home. He delighted in this endeavor, started a company called "Johnnies Angels" and sold beautiful angel fish to area pet stores.The family thanks all employees of Temper for their loyalty and devotion during his long illness.A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 14 at Temper Corporation on Persse Road in Fonda.Arrangements have been entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home, Inc., 215 East Main Street, Johnstown. Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com.

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