Rodney ‘Rod’ Tortarella

Rhinebeck – Rodney J. “Rod” Tortarella, 73, passed away Monday, March 22, 2021, at his home in Rhinebeck.  He was surrounded by his wife Sharon and sons Heath and Lucas.

Rod was a lifelong Rhinebeck resident.  He was born September 23, 1947 to Carmine and Loretta (Lattin) Tortarella. He attended Rhinebeck High School and graduated from Dutchess Community College.  Rod entered the US Army on April 13, 1966 and served a year in Vietnam (1966-67) before being released from Active Duty on January 15, 1969 and discharged from the Army Reserve on April 12, 1972.  

Rod was a member of the IBEW and worked as an electrician before becoming the Director of Facilities and Site Development for Greystone Programs in Poughkeepsie. 

He was a member of the Good Shepherd Church, Rhinebeck, the American Legion Montgomery Post #429, and the Fitzpatrick Chapman VFW Post #9255.  He was a soccer official for the NCAA, FIFA and high schools throughout the region; and was a member of the Mid-Hudson Soccer Officials Association. He had been a coach in the Rhinebeck Little League and was a Lacrosse official. 

Rod was an avid runner and early member of the Rhinebeck Roadrunners Club; he participated in numerous marathons, local road races and triathlons.  His family got him interested in skiing and they enjoyed many ski days and trips throughout the Northeast, Canada and the Rockies together.

Rod married Sharon McWilliams on October 4, 1969 at the Good Shepherd Church, Rhinebeck.

In addition to Sharon, Rod is survived by his sons Heath, and his wife Jan; Lucas, and his wife Laura; five grandchildren, Marin, Matthew,  Hudson, Harper and Holden; nieces Tracy (Steve) Whitaker, Kimberly McWilliams and Shannon McWilliams; sister-in-law Patricia Tortarella, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry and Barbara McWilliams.  He was predeceased by his brother Carmine Tortarella, Jr. and his niece Lisa Tortarella.

Calling hours are Friday, March 26th, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck.  Prayers will be offered at 1:00 PM by Fr. Douglas Crawford.  Interment with full military honors will follow at Rhinebeck Cemetery.

Due to Covid-19/NYS Guidelines – masks, social distancing and capacity limitations will be followed during all services.  During visitation, please be respectful to those who may be waiting to visit by keeping your visit brief.  Your cooperation is appreciated. 

Memorial donations in honor of Rod can be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., act.alz.org; or  Smile Train. www.smiletrain.org

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