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Carl Rodenhizer Obituary
Carl Clifford Rodenhizer Jr. died on June 28, 2020 at the age of 92. The oldest of three siblings, Carl was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on September 7, 1927 to Carl Sr. and Alberta (Kelson).
At age 16, Carl left school to play clarinet in jazz bands. He joined the US Army Air Force toward the end of WWII serving in the occupational forces in Okinawa, Japan. Through the GI bill, he purchased a home for his parents and earned a degree from Bridgeport University. Carl found work at the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut where he met his wife-to-be, Cora Palazzolo. They would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on July 11.
Carl and Cora settled in Higganum where they started their family. Carl earned a degree from Wesleyan University and taught at various local high schools before ultimately teaching mathematics at Middlesex Community College for decades. As their family grew, they moved to Middletown where they have lived in the same house for over 60 years.
Carl continued playing his clarinet in the Middletown Symphonic Band. In his later years, he discovered the great outdoors. He joined the Audubon Society, maintained a segment of the Appalachian Trail and organized hikes for novice wilderness seekers. Carl also enjoyed photography, canoeing, bird watching and bicycling. He was a member of the Middletown Bike Club and volunteered for the Red Cross, transporting cancer patients to treatment.
Besides his wife, Carl is survived by his sons and their wives Carl (Lisa), Kurt (Petra), Craig (Linda), Chris (Eileen), and Scott (Kate), 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, his sister, Carole Renzullo and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Evelyn Wardwell.
A celebration of his life will take place once the pandemic restrictions are removed. Funeral services and burial will be private. The Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to: The Food Truck at Middlesex Community College, Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457; The Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, Middlesex United Way/CHH, 100 Riverview Center, Suite 230, Middletown, CT 06457; or to a food bank of their choice.
The family wishes to thank the Middlesex Health Hospice Program for their compassion and excellent care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carl Rodenhizer
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Edmund Siecienski
July 7, 2020
Got to know Mr. Rodenhizer while on staff at Middlesex Community College. He was a fine individual and educator. May he rest in peace and may his family have renewed hope and peace during this difficult time. Edmund Siecienski, Beverly Hills, FL
Michael BAILEY
July 5, 2020
To Scott and Family, I am so sorry for you loss. Your dad was an awesome man, I pray God will give you strength at this time.
Michael and Nadine Bailey.
Mary Ann Drysgula
July 4, 2020
Kurt, Im so sorry to hear about your dad passing. My condolences to your whole family.
Annaita Gandhy
July 4, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Rodenhizer family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Carl, you will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Sharry Goldman
July 4, 2020
Mr. Rodenhizer was my math teacher one year at Hall High School in West Hartford. I loved his class! There was something about his easygoing manner that made it a pleasure to be in class. Usually he started class by asking us to take out our homework or open the book to a certain page. But one memorable day, it must have been a Monday, he started class by saying that he had made pancakes over the weekend, and they were the best pancakes imaginable and he was going to give us the recipe. He passed out index cards so we could write it down. I still have that card! We call them "Rodenhizer Pancakes". My kids grew up on them and now my grandchildren are eating them. And every time I pull that card out of the file, I smile and think of the warmth and kindness of Carl Rodenhizer. Wishing you joy in your own memories!
Debra A Hopkins
July 3, 2020
Carl, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. May Our loving God grant to peace and blessings during this difficult time.
Rev. Debra Hopkins
Sarah Holle Wood
July 3, 2020
You will be missed by so many people. You lived a wonderfully full and varied life.
Lucy Gennuso
July 2, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. So many great memories of being neighbors. May you be comforted in knowing that dad is at peace.
Chris Rodenhizer
July 2, 2020
Rest in Peace. Dad.
Sandy and Jack Fuoco
July 2, 2020
Cora and family, Ss Jack and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Carl. We had so many good times with you and HK teachers, we will always those days.
John & Kathy Robinson
July 2, 2020
Carl, Lisa & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your loving Father. May the good Lord be with the family at such a time as this.
Susan Rame
July 1, 2020
I was so fortunate to have Prof. Rodenhizer many years ago when I had to take a math class as part of my studies at MxCC. It was a subject area I was sorely lacking in. For a short time illness kept me from attending my classes and Prof Rodenhizer actually came to my apartment to tutor me through the math free of charge. I not only caught up with math but also earned an A in his class. He was a generous and compassionate teacher and friend. My condolence to his family and friends.
Karen Perruccio
July 1, 2020
I grew up on Oak st New everyone on the street The Rodinhizers are wonderful people. Very loving and caring. Mr. Rodenhizer will be missed grately. Karen Perruccio
Gail (Perruccio) Scranton
July 1, 2020
To Cora and all the Rodenhizer family members - I am so sorry to hear about your husband/dad - I grew up on Oak Street with this family and knew all the boys. My deepest sympathy to you, as I know, the DAD is what holds the families together. My Love to all of you.
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