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1947-2024
SALEM -- Roderic R. Farkas, 76, of Salem passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland, surrounded by family, including his loving wife of 52 years Louise, and their three children: Eric Farkas of Salem, Laura (Brian) Roth of St. Michael, Minn., and Brian Farkas of Tallahassee, Fla. Born Aug. 5, 1947, in Cleveland, Rod was a cherished husband, father, brother and friend whose gentle spirit left a mark on all who knew him.
A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alliance, Rod's faith was a cornerstone of his life that provided him with a community of support that he cherished. He served in many capacities since he and Louise joined the Church in 1979, including Youngstown Stake High Counselor, temple worker, counselor in the bishopric, Pathways instructor, early morning seminary instructor, and prelude organist.
A 1965 graduate of Strongsville High School, he received both his Bachelor and Master of Arts in Telecommunications from Kent State University. After undergrad, Rod earned a bronze star while serving in the Army in Vietnam as a Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol radio operator. He also served with the Ohio National Guard (1976-1981), where he was a helicopter crew chief. Rod's commitment to fellow veterans continued through his involvement with Disabled American Veterans in Salem, where he served as past commander and current adjutant.
Rod's passion for education inspired many as he taught at Kent State Salem from 1972-1982 and then at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh until retiring in 2014.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rita (O'Malley) Farkas; brother, Larry and sister, Sheila McCann. He is survived by his wife, children and five granddaughters: Chloe Farkas and Haley, Jessica, Emily, and Rebecca Roth, as well as his siblings Priscilla Schnittke, Gary Farkas and Loretta Jones.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 2260 Hedgewood Ave., Alliance. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Following the service, Rod will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery, 6698 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna, Ohio.
Those who are unable to attend the service in person are encouraged to join Stark Memorial's "Hugs from Home" program.
To honor Rod's memory, view his full obituary, and send condolences, please visit www.starkmemorial.com.
3/14/24