Mr. Roderick Lee “Rod” Cauffman, 81, of Waynesboro, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 27, 2024 in his home surrounded by his family.
Born April 23, 1943 in Mont Alto, PA, he was the son of the late John Franklin and Lottie Frances (Shaffer) Cauffman.
Mr. Cauffman proudly served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from 1960-1961 when he transferred to the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany and later California where he obtained the rank of Special 5E5.
He began his employment as a mechanic at C. Earl Brown Garage in Hagerstown, MD, a job he held for 25 years. Later, he served as a Paramedic with Waynesboro Medic II. He retired in 1995 after 25 years of service. Following his retirement, he worked as a phlebotomist at Waynesboro Hospital for many years.
A man who loved to serve his community, he was an EMT and Chief with Waynesboro Ambulance Squad and fire policeman with Waynesboro Fire Department. He was a life member of Waynesboro Fire Department, South Mountain Fire Department and Joe Stickell American Legion Post #15.
In his free time, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether hiking, camping and even sky diving and scuba diving. He also loved motorcycles of all kinds and especially treasured his dog, Axel.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mrs. Joanne L. (Sharrah) Cauffman who he married August 11, 1961; four children, Travis E. Cauffman (Deb) of Waynesboro, Troy L. Cauffman (Karin) of NC, Trina K. May (Eric) of Chambersburg and Trudi J. Crum (Scott) of Waynesboro; eight grandchildren, Jesse Cauffman (Elizabeth), Barbra Cauffman (Joey Kelley), Dani Cauffman, Megan Cauffman (David Hatfield), John Kelley (Tracy), Leasa Kelley (Kayla), Scott Crum, Jr. (Sam) and Kimberly Horan (Brian); six step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlene Butts of Chambersburg; “niester” Lisa Barnhart; and many nieces and nephews as well as a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by granddaughter, Nicole (Cauffman) Scheffer; brothers, John F. Cauffman, Jr., Donald Cauffman and Bahner Cauffman; and sisters, Mary Jane Carbaugh, Gloria Shirey, Margaret Wile and Jeannine Brown.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024 in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro.
A Celebration of His Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following local organizations that he proudly served with: Waynesboro Medic II, Waynesboro Ambulance Squad, Waynesboro Fire Department, Joe Stickell American Legion Post #15 or South Mountain Fire Department.
