Roderick Lewis Hohl, Sr.

On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Roderick Lewis Hohl, Sr., loving father of four children, passed away at the age of 87. Rod was born on August 18, 1933, to Lewis Virgil and Rosalie Wittenberg Hohl at Sloan Hospital in New York City. He grew up with his sister, Rosalie, one year his junior, in Scarsdale, NY. They were parishioners at St. James the Less Church and members of the children's choir, which their mother led. They attended the Greenacre School and Scarsdale High School. Rod went on to receive his undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University, where he was co-editor of the weekly newspaper, and a member of the yearbook staff, the dramatic club, and the honorary journalistic society Pi Delta Epsilon, pursuing creative writing and landing on the "Who's Who In American Universities" list. He went on to get his masters in Journalism from Columbia University. He served in the US Army in Korea, writing for the Stars and Stripes newspaper, and later wrote for the Wall Street Journal. He also worked at the American Rocket Society in New York, where he met Ann Carol Batsford, who he soon married. They had a daughter, Susan, and three sons: Craig, Scott and Roderick Jr. The family settled in Somers, NY, where Rod Sr. immersed himself in the community. He taught Sunday school at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Granite Springs and at St. Luke's Church in Somers. He was a familiar figure at youth sporting events, having served for many years as president of the Somers Dad's Club overseeing the local baseball, basketball, and football leagues and as the Regional Commissioner for the American Youth Soccer Organization. His warmth, positive spirit and inclusion were felt by all who knew him. The town of Somers even dedicated "Rod Hohl Day" to honor his contributions to the community. He loved sports and often used sports metaphors to teach young people to advocate for themselves. He also lived his own lessons, dedicating himself to a lifelong path of health, fitness, and self-improvement. He was an avid runner, and completed numerous marathons, even into his 60's. .

Later, Rod moved to Phoenix, AZ, where his sister had been living and raising her family, and he stayed there for a number of years until his sister's passing. It was this event that led him to reconnect with Charlotte Duryea, who had also grown up in Scarsdale and attended church and choir with Rod and his family. They were married in Charlestown, RI, where they lived happily for many years, and where he served on the board of the East Beach Association and formed many friendships. His quick wit and bright smile will be missed by many. Rod is survived by his wife Charlotte, his four children, and five grandchildren. Services will be live streamed on Monday, March 1 at 11am on the YouTube channel of St. James the Less, Scarsdale, NY.