Rodney F. Gammell, 79, of Wisdom Way passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He was born in Greenfield August 28, 1944 the son of Lafave and Leona (Dean) Gammell. Rod attended and was a graduate of Arms Academy in 1962. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1962 and was honorably discharged 1965 obtaining the rank of MM3 (E-4) while serving on the USS Essex.

Rod was a telephone lineman for Verizon for over 35 years.  He loved the challenge of working storm outages and knowing that he was helping people. In retirement, he worked in maintenance at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

Rod enjoyed sports especially ones that involved his grandsons. He enjoyed participating in the Greenfield Minor League where he served as a board member and was honored to be the 2017 Grand Marshal. When Rod’s grandsons were old enough, he and his son, Rick, coached baseball together.   Rod, affectionately known as Popie, had a great time instilling the love of sports in his grandsons and having the opportunity to watch their progress.  In later years, Popie enjoyed sitting in the front row of practices and games to cheer on the team and fuss at the officials when needed. 

Rod was proud to support Florence-Darlington Technical College Baseball (SC) where his son, Doug, coaches. He would talk with Doug about the team and enjoyed traveling to SC in the spring to sit in the front row and watch the Stingers practice and play games.

He was known for his sense of humor and camping skills. He was a member of the Good Sam’s Club. Rod was willing to help anyone and was a handyman for his neighbors on Wisdom Way, at the fairgrounds, or anyone near him while camping.

Rod’s handyman skills were transferred to farming when his son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Billie, began their Norman D Farm. He helped them fix up the barn and take care of the animals. His favorite pastime was taking the tractor to the hollar and moving piles around to clear the field.

He leaves his wife, the former Cynthia Giguere of 59 years. Rod and Cindy went on to have two sons, Douglas and Richard.

He is survived by his wife Cindy of Greenfield, his son Doug (Brandi) of Florence, SC, his son Rick (Billie) of Greenfield, his grandson Gavin, and bonus grandsons Bryce & Blake Dobosz. He is also survived by a sister Terry Gerry and a large extended family.

Services will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 10 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal St., Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.  There will be a reception at Terrazas 244 Country Club Rd. immediately after. Calling hours will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 from 4-6 PM at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or Greenfield Minor League Baseball https://www.gmlb.org/p/21/Support-Greenfield-Minor-League-Baseball

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com