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Welcome to the memorial page for

Rodney D. Carter

August 9, 1957 ~ October 24, 2017 (age 60) 60 Years Old
Rodney D. Carter, 60, of Upton, died Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at his home surrounded by family after a battle with brain cancer.

Rod was born in Oklahoma City, OK, a son of Elsie R. (Bodenheimer) Carter of Oklahoma City and the late Richard A. Carter. A US Army veteran, he was self-employed as a land surveyor and operated Rod Carter Associates in Upton.

In addition to his mother, he leaves his former wife and friend, Tracey A. (Ennis) Carter of West Boylston; three children, Alexandra Carter of Nashua, NH, Olivia Carter of Johnson, VT, and Samuel Carter of West Boylston; a brother, Richard Carter and his wife Diane of Norman, OK; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other beloved family members and friends.

Rod was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK, and never forgot his roots. He had fond memories of playing and watching college football, attending church, concert adventures, and getting into trouble along the way. He continued to cherish his friends and family still living in Oklahoma, and visited them frequently. SOONER BOOMER!

Rod was proud of his service in the army and his work as a land surveyor, both of which allowed him opportunities to travel and to make meaningful connections with others. Some of his fondest memories came from a cross-country road trip with his parents and brother, as well as travels across Germany, where he was stationed.

He was an avid music lover throughout his lifetime, often belting out full verses of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and Carly Simon (to name a few). He enjoyed a wide range of music, from church hymns to hard rock. As a gift, he would re-work song lyrics and then sing them to others on special occasions.

Rod was a simple man in many ways. He was a lover of nature, gardening, and animals. Long afternoons spent tending to the yard and gardens were one of Rod's greatest pleasures. Swimming in the ocean and eating buttery "lobstah" was another. He loved a good prank, and had a corny sense of humor.

Rod always felt it was important to give back to his community, which he loved. While his children were growing up, he volunteered as a coach and assisted in the Boy Scouts. He was involved with the Hopedale Unitarian Parish, the Upton Men's Club, the Senior Dinner and other charitable organizations. He was a proud patriot, and would insist on displaying the American flag year round. He deeply loved the town of Upton; in a letter penned after his diagnosis, he stated "I am enjoying the time in my garden in this quaint little town of Upton, that like many New England towns, is full of everyday heroes."

Rod was well known for his sweet and humble demeanor, and his friendly, generous ways. He will be missed.

Service Details

Private graveside services with military honors
will be held in Lakeview Cemetery in Upton.

There are no calling hours.

 Service Information

A service summary is not available


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