Daniel J. Rodahan, Jr.

Daniel J Rodahan Jr. led a much to be admired courageous and incredibly well-lived independent life. Dan was born in the Amsterdam New York area in 1954 and notwithstanding significant physical challenges and health issues was an honored Social Security Administration representative for over 37 years, where he received numerous awards and accolades, always ready and able to help people negotiate our not so simple social security system.

Dan was an active Mason who joined the St Andrews Chapter, Order of DeMolay in Amsterdam, NY as a Representative in 1973 and became a Majority Member in 1975.  Following St. Andrews Dan was accepted as an Entered Apprentice, then passed to the degree of Fellow Craft and ultimately a Master Mason with the Kennyetto Lodge in Broadalbin NY in 1975.  In 2000 Dan achieved the role of Noble of Ziyara Shriners International, known for their funny hats (fezzes) parades and circuses as a part of their philanthropic efforts to provide expert orthopedic and burn care to children under the age of 18 at Shriners Hospitals.  Dan and his beloved wife Anita were Awards Advisors with the Oriental-Faxton Lodge #224 from 2002-2014, during which time Dan achieved a Cross of Honor in 2009 for dedication to the Mason’s Mohawk Valley Chapter in Utica and was awarded an Active Legion Honor in 2022 for his service to humanity and advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities.

A man of strong faith, Dan was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in New Hartford and was on the Church Council for many years.  Zion Lutheran Church’s mission and outreach efforts to assist people of all faiths with disabilities was consistent with Dan’s goals in life to assist others, despite his personal challenges and he was very involved with Zion’s mission to help others and especially those with disabilities. 

Dan’s long list of efforts to assist others included The Johnson Park Center, where he was a Board member for many years.  The Johnson Park Center is a private non-profit organization that provides residential care, mentoring, transportation and vocational training for adults and seniors in need. In addition, Dan was also on the Resource Center for Independent Living or RCIL Board for 18 years.  RCIL is an organization that provides independent living and accessibility services to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Dan was predeceased by his loving wife Anita and is survived by his loving sisters-in-law, C. Joan Gerardi, Carol J. Murine and Roseanne Alessandrini of Utica and numerous nieces and nephews, for whom he cared deeply along with very special friends, Zion Lutheran Church Council President Board Mark Thompson and his wife Nancy; Carole Grove, James and Kimberly Marscher,  Toni Eckert, Sherree Treece a lifelong friend; Anette Wizes; Reverend Maria Scates; Rabbi Gustavo Geier; Nancy Wolfe; Wendy Polivka, Free Mason Potentate Robert Verdon and Recorder Mark Alvarado, for whom he also cared deeply.

As a Freemason, one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations, Dan would ask that until we meet again, we dedicate ourselves to fellowship, moral discipline, self-improvement and charity.  A service will be scheduled sometime in July and in lieu of flowers, Dan would ask that contributions may be made in his honor to the Zion Lutheran Church at 630 French Road, New Hartford, New York 13413, to assist in their continuing efforts to help others with disabilities.  

Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home of Utica

Online memorials at www.MattFuneralHome.com

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