Rodney A Steves

First Sergeant Rodney A. Steves, 78, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away Monday November 15, 2021 at his residence in Millville, Pennsylvania. He was born February 13, 1943 in Corning, New York, a son of the late William A. and Virginia E. (Wheeler) Steves.

Rodney graduated from Painted Post High School class of 1961 in Painted Post, New York. Rodney then joined the United States Army in 1961 and deployed to many locations including Germany (three tours), Korea (two tours), and served three tours during the Vietnam War where he received his Bronze Star. Throughout his 20 years of service, he received many honors and recognitions; he finally retired from the Army in 1982. Retirement didn’t come easy to this soldier.  Because he enjoyed learning, Rodney made the decision to pursue further education.  But sitting in a classroom just wasn’t his style.  He found more enjoyment serving as a guest speaker in college and high school classes, sharing stories of his military career and answering questions related to his experiences in Germany and Vietnam.  Never one to sit still, he worked at Hotel Magee, spent twelve years at Geisinger Medical Center in Security, and finally retired as a Corrections Officer at Coal Township State Correctional Institution so he could focus his time and energy on his grandchildren.

Over the years, Rodney was known to others as a soldier, a post commander, and a devoted friend and family member. Those who knew him called him Rocky or Rod, Uncle Rocky, Grandpa Rocky, and Rod the Guard, but the role he enjoyed most was Papa. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren who always came first. Papa loved quiet moments pulling his grandchildren around the yard in a wagon, taking them for walks to feed the ducks, fishing, playing chess, teaching them how to blow whistles with blades of grass, and writing in their journals to share stories and words of advice. Papa possessed a quiet sense of humor and was always eager to greet his grandchildren with a funny story or joke.

Rodney was involved in the community and held memberships with the Danville Moose, Corning Painted Post Masonic Lodge 168, Millville Fire Company, VFW Post 804 Bloomsburg, and Millville American Legion Post 564. Throughout his employment and community involvement, he served with honor and pride and made many friends along the way. He was a strong advocate of getting involved, making a difference, and finding ways to support those in need without the expectation of recognition or personal gain. He took pride in sharing his knowledge and educating others on all topics related to patriotism and serving our God and country, stressed the importance of standing behind one’s convictions and beliefs, and setting aside personal differences to support those in need and defend those who are being mistreated.

Rodney is survived by his wife the former Dorothy J. Hartman, whom he married July 29, 1967, two children; Bruce M. Steves wife Karey of Spring Hill, Florida, Patricia M. Gochenauer husband Ryan of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, four grandchildren; Gabriel, Ethan, Logan, and Noah, two brothers Michael Steves of Benton, Arkansas, Everett R. Steves wife Christine of Painted Post, New York, four sisters; Patricia Tyler husband Jim of The Villages, Florida, Cynthia Steger husband John of Tully, New York, Cheryl Lundgren husband Terry of Painted Post, New York, Calli VanOort husband Jan of Atlanta, Georgia, and two sisters-in-law Charleen Hartman of Mount Union, Pennsylvania and Connie Andrews husband Milton of Quarryville, Pennsylvania. Rodney is also survived by a large extended family which includes several nieces, nephews and cousins, and Linda and Michael Childs of Swainsboro, Georgia, Frank Heintz or Benton, Pennsylvania, and Karl and Trish Krzyz of Kitchener, Ontario. Rodney is preceded in death by his sister-in-law Vanessa Steves.

A celebration of life will be December 7, 2021 at 10:00 am at Millville American Legion Post 564, 259 Legion Road, Millville, PA with Chaplain Greg Moore officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at Fort Indiantown Gap. Family will receive friends on December 7 from 9:00 am until time of service at the Legion.

Family and friends may send online condolences to bunnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Millville American Legion Post 564 (notation: Rodney Steves/Wheelchair Van), 259 Legion Road, Millville, PA 17846. If you are able, giving the gift of a blood donation in memory of Rodney is appreciated. The Bunnell Funeral Home Inc., Millville is handling arrangements.

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