Rev. Rodgers Taylor “Rodge” Wood
The Rev. Rodgers Taylor “Rodge” Wood, 89, of Kennedy Twp., passed away on January 13, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on December 16, 1933, the son of the late Robert E. & Margaret L. (Lindquist) Wood.
He was the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in the North Hills until his retirement in 1999 and prior to that the rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Moon Township. His ministry included serving as a chaplain to a group of men incarcerated for life at Western Penitentiary. In retirement he served as an interim and supply priest for parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia and the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. Before entering the priesthood, he worked in radio and television, most notably as the DJ (and heartthrob) of “Rodge’s Garage” at WDAD in Indiana, PA and as the weatherman at WJAC in Johnstown, PA. He also served for two years in the US Army. In a full life of many accomplishments, he would say his family was his greatest achievement.
He was the beloved husband for 67 years of Roselind Davis Wood; devoted father to Melanie Wood (Beth Hines), OH; Jennifer Wood (Robert Steffes), Aliquippa; and Heather Wood (Mark Ring), CA; He adored his five grandchildren, Alison, Michael, Lindy, Taylor, and Casey and two great grandchildren, Samson & Bohdan. He is also survived by his brother, Geoffrey Wood (Rosalie), NC; and sister-in-law Darie Davis (Chuck Taubersmith), NC.
There is no public viewing, The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2 pm in Christ Episcopal Church, North Hills, 5910 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pittsburgh Prison Book Project, c/o the Thomas Merton Center, 1256 Franklin Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15221 or on-line at (www.thomasmertoncenter.org/projects) or to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden St. Duquesne, PA 15110.
7 thoughts on “Rev. Rodgers Taylor “Rodge” Wood”
What a blessing Rodge was in our lives and in my call to priesthood now 30 years ago. Rodge and Rosie blessed us deeply. Well done good and faithful servant. Now rest from your labor 🙏🙏🙏
Those whose lives he and Rosie touched, those who faith grew knowing him, whose lives were changed by his view of our Lord and life, will never forget him. My heart feels sorrow but also joy because we know where he is and the burdens of illness are over. You are already missed, Rodge.
My deepest condolences to the entire Wood family. Rodge was a wonderful, kind man with many talents and interests. Although I hadn’t spoken with him in many years, talking with him always left an impression — he was thought-ful, a rigorous thinker, and a stimulating conversationalist. I know he will be deeply missed. My prayers are with you all. With heartfelt love,
Rog was a true friend and an infinite support to our family through sad and happy times. His friendship with our father was lasting , true, impactful…and fun. He and Rosie hold special places in our hearts. Distance made contact decline, but I smile every time I think of them. My heart is saddened. Thank you for making the world a better place! Love to the family❤️
Our brother-in-law and beautiful human being. We will miss him terribly. His faith & commitment to community will serve to us to keep his memory alive.
Darlind Davis & Chuck Taubersmith
I was ordained at Christ Church, North Hills when Rodge was rector. He had a profound impact on my ministry. He was serious about ministry, but with a great sense of humor–on days that he was preaching he might turn to me as we processed into church and ask, “You’re preaching, right?” He also had practical wisdom about serving–“After you do a funeral, you’re done for the day.” I feel fortunate to have had him as a colleague and mentor.
Rodge was a very special person, please accept condolences of the Lord family. He and Rosie were great friends with my parents, Bob and Martha Lord. Dad was the organist at Christ Church while Rodge was the Rector. They were a great team managing the church and I remember lots of laughter too over those many years. Rodge supported our family during good and challenging times, his “light” was always bright. We were truly blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace.