Rodney C. Abare

He was a son of E. Roland and Cecile H. Lowe Abare. After his graduation from Watertown High School, Rod proudly enlisted in the US Army. He served his country with pride from January 18, 1951 to December 18, 1953. While enlisted, he served in the Korean War. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his brave sacrifices. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 61 and Watertown Kiwanis Club, where he served as President. He married Shirley. The marriage ended in divorce. He married Marjorie Simmons on 12/18/1965 in Watertown. She died on 9/24/2014. Rod spent much of his career working in media and communications. He began his professional career at the Johnson Corporation’s television and radio stations in Watertown. He then moved forward in his career and was employed by the Watertown Daily Times as the Personnel and Purchasing Manager until his retirement. Rod was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Watertown where he served on the board of trustees and as their Treasurer. He also served on the Flower Memorial Library Board and volunteered in their Genealogy Department. Here, Rod developed a love for genealogy that would lead to him spending countless hours researching the family tree and sharing his findings with loved ones. Lovingly referred to as “Hot Rod”, he cherished his family and friends. Rod will be remembered for his quick wit and mild manner that brought joy to everyone around him. He had a passion for sports, golf being his favorite pastime. Rod found pleasure in coaching little league and attending a wide variety of regional sporting events with his children. When not coaching he was always there supporting and cheering from the sidelines. He was survived by three children by a previous marriage; Debra Abare of Orlando, FL, Garry (Monica) of Orlando, FL, Larry (Lynda) of Phoenix, AZ, and two children with Marjorie, Becky Abare Thomas and Casey (Karen) of Watertown, NY. He is also survived by Shirley Abare, of Orlando, FL his former spouse. 9/1/2018 Watertown Times