Rodney was born on May 23, 1943 in Dunbar, Ontario, Canada to Rae and Mary Josephine Merkley. He graduated in 1962 from Madrid Waddington High School, Madrid, NY. He married Claire (Mercer) April 4, 1970. Rodney was a Custom Home Builder and Commercial Contractor for 47 years in Rockland and Orange Counties. His most recent accomplishment was almost completing 50 plus Custom Homes at Smith Farm in New City and worked 7 days a week until very recently. One of his greatest joys was being a pilot and traveling all over the United States, Canada and the islands. He was a past member of the Tuxedo Volunteer Fire Dept Company 3, Tuxedo Volunteer Fire Police and was also a member of the Rockland County Fire Police. He is survived by his wife Claire of 50 years, Sisters Sandra Wright (James) and Barbara Anne Lombardo; his brothers Terry (Cathy) and Gregory; Brother-in-law Arnold Mercer (Alexis); Nieces Lisa Patire (Matthew), Lauren Merkley, Leigh Ann Lozano (Josue), Melissa Merkley, Kira Merkley, and nephew Michael Mercer. He also had many great nieces, great nephews, Godsons and others that were very special to him. He was predeceased by his parents, brother- in- law Dr. Michael Lombardo, niece Stephanie Tidd and nephew Donald Mercer. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, December 5, 2020, 1-4 pm at Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S Main St, New City, NY 10956. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or your favorite charity.
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