Clifford Young Rood

Clifford Young Rood

Wappingers Falls - Clifford Young Rood, a resident of Wappingers Falls, NY, passed away on December 24th with his family by his side. He was in his 88th year. Clifford was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on August 10, 1927 to the late Louise Young Rood and Clifford Ashel Rood and attended Poughkeepsie High School, where he played on the football team.

Clifford was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving as a Seaman First Class on heavy cruiser USS Des Moines in the Korean War. He studied horticulture at the Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute in Farmingdale, N.Y. Clifford was the co-owner of Rood's Florist & Garden Supplies Inc. in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Clifford is survived by his son Clifford A. Rood (Cara) of Milton, NY, his daughter Marcia Rood O'Neill and son-in-law Thomas J. O'Neill, Esq. of Poughkeepsie, NY, and his daughter, Jeni Rood Cunningham, of Apex, NC. He was beloved Pop-pop to his grandchildren Adam Cunningham, Emily O'Neill, Andrew O'Neill, Sara Rood, and Clifford Rood. He is also survived by his brother Everett M. Rood and his wife Alice, and his niece Diane Rood Alexander of Wappingers Falls, NY.

Clifford loved to be around people and was renowned for his jokes and stories. He loved to fish and spend time with friends and family at his beloved "camp" on Peck's Lake in the Adirondacks. He was a great companion to many dogs throughout his life and will be especially missed by his "grand pups" Ranger and Stevie. Clifford leaves a broad legacy among those he loved. He was known for his quick wit, playfulness, engaging smile, and constant twinkle in his eyes. He had a great sense of humor and loved to play pranks on his children and friends. One of his fondest memories was of spending time with President George W. Bush in the Oval Office, where he was awarded a Presidential pin.

Donations may be made in Clifford's honor to Dutchess County Hospice (374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601), whose professionalism and compassion in his final days will be forever remembered and appreciated. A memorial service will be held in the mausoleum at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Ave. Poughkeepsie, on Monday, December 28th at 5:30 pm.