Rodney P. Scoville (1917 - 2012)

Rodney P. Scoville The Reverend Rodney P. Scoville died on Saturday, April 21st, 2012, following extended care from Saratoga Hospital, the Wesley, the Eddy Village Green, The Community Hospice and family members. Rodney was born in Perth, New York on September 4th, 1917 to Reno P. and Hazel E. Scoville. He graduated from Gloversville High School in 1935 and from Green Mountain Junior College in 1937. After working in several businesses in Gloversville, he enlisted in the US Army in March of 1941. Following basic training, he married Dorothy H. Scoville, the “Great Lady” to whom he was married for over 68 years, and they traveled together as he attended officers' candidate school. Commissioned as a second lieutenant, Rodney was assigned to the 320th Infantry Regiment as a platoon leader and saw combat in France and Germany in the months after D-Day. Wounded in action, he received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, and was ultimately promoted to the rank of captain and company commander. His wartime experiences had a profound effect upon him, and guided him to a life dedicated to peace and to the service of others. Following his discharge, Rodney attended Union College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947. He then proceeded to Union Theological Seminary and graduated in 1950 with a Master of Divinity degree. Designated an Elder of the Methodist Church in 1951, Rodney and Dorothy together served congregations in Alpine, New Jersey, St. Louis, Missouri, Castleton-on-Hudson and Saratoga Springs, New York. In 1970, Rodney left full time ministry to pursue both a Master's Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany and his vision of being a “worker-priest,” living his faith out in the world. He graduated in 1972 and worked for Albany County Department of Social Services as a child protection caseworker and then as a family counselor with the Family and Children's Service of Albany. During this time, he continued to serve as an “interim” pastor to many congregations, including United Methodist Churches in Albany (Calvary-Pine Hills, now Emmaus), Esperance, Rexford, and Malta Ridge, the Roessleville Presbyterian Church in Albany, the Amityville Reformed Church in Vischer Ferry, and the Old Saratoga Reformed Church in Schuylerville. During retirement, Rodney and Dorothy enjoyed traveling with friends and relatives, playing bridge, and participating in the social life at Prestwick Chase in Saratoga, where they enjoyed the last 10 years of their lives together. Rodney remained active into his 90's, making pastoral calls to the sick and grieving, as a member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, as chaplain for the Community Hospice of Saratoga, and as a bowler, golfer, sports fan, husband, father and grandfather. Despite the challenges of declining health and the loss of his beloved wife, he will be remembered always for his ready, warm and welcoming smile and his undiminished concern for those in our society and around the world who are hurting. Rodney is survived by a son, Paul Scoville (Teri) of Albany, New York; a daughter, Judith Richards (Gary) of Schenectady, New York; and three grandchildren, Christopher Scoville (Erin), Laura Scoville, and Eve Richards. A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 1:30 pm at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in his honor are respectfully asked to consider the Community Hospice of Saratoga, the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, or the Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation.