Michael C. Rodkey

York, PA - Michael C. “Mike” Rodkey, 60, died Monday, February 29, 2016 at Country Meadows of York-South. A Celebration of Life Service will be private at the convenience of the immediate family. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd, York, Pa 17408 is in charge of arrangements. Rodkey will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetary in Hanover, PA. Born February 15, 1956 in Lancaster, PA, he was the first-born son of Carl M. and Dolores A. (Senter) Rodkey. He graduated from Hempfield HS, West Chester University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education, later earned his Master’s Degree, and worked toward a Doctorate with Widener University. Rodkey had an accomplished career as a teacher and coach in several school districts, starting at Biglerville HS in the Upper Adams School District in PA (1979-1982). He moved to Florida to serve in several capacities in the Osceola County School District; teaching various courses, and coaching baseball and cross country at St. Cloud HS (1982-85). He then became the first athletic director (1985-1990) at the brand new Gateway High School. Also during his time in Florida, Rodkey co-founded the Osceola Scholarship Bowl, chairing that committee of county high school athletic directors and prominent local businessmen, including the local Houston Astros GM. Thousands of dollars were raised for scholarships for deserving student athletes. The bowl games were played yearly, on Thanksgiving eve, at Osceola County Stadium and then grew in attendance to be hosted at the Silver Spurs Arena. Each game matched a local Osceola District varsity football team with another school from somewhere across the state of FL. Rodkey resigned as Athletic Director at Gateway HS in 1989, to accept an internship for college athletic administration at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, but professional piers were quick to clarify that Rodkey remained devoted and instrumental in events that benefited Osceola County's student athletes at all high schools. Rodkey also served the as the Florida Orange Belt Conference's executive secretary, where he established a conference recognition program for athletes who also excelled in academics. His career and devotion to sports in Florida were not limited only to high school athletics; Rodkey was one of the first locals hired by the MLB Houston Astros organization, when Osceola County Stadium became their Spring Training home in 1985. He is credited for helping to organize the first major league spring training, and the first Florida State League minor league season, for the Osceola Astros. He introduced the GM to many local proprietors to spread the word about the team's arrival, and continued to serve the organization by scorekeeping and playing music from the press box during the games, as well as helping to arrange player appearances with various schools and not-for-profit organizations. While Rodkey was known for these contributions to athletics in Central Florida, he was most commonly recognized by his running regimen, being seen daily by motorists, braving the Florida heat to average more than 80 miles each week. Rodkey ran many full marathons in his lifetime, six of which he gifted the medals of achievement to his niece and nephews. Mike was ultimately an inspiration for his father, brother and niece to become marathon runners as well. In August of 1990, Rodkey returned to PA when he accepted the position of Athletic and Transportation Director for Littlestown High School, happy to "return to his roots". His career continued in PA to also include a position with the Conestoga Valley School District, and culminated with the inner-city Philadelphia Public School systems. Philadelphia faculty and students were skeptical about new-comer Rodkey's commitment to this challenge, but he soon proved to be a dedicated and committed educator, mentor, motivator and coach to his students, often emptying his pockets to reward students for their academic and performance achievements. He also served the School District of Philadelphia on the PIAA District 12 Board of Directors. After retiring in the late 90's as an educator and athletic administrator, Rodkey returned to Hanover, PA where he became a well-known "fixture" as a trainer and youth supervisor at the North and South Hanover YMCAs. Mike shared his passion for fitness as well as history and sports trivia, with his co-workers, and patrons, both young and old. He would often reward youngsters with games and toys from his family home, for winning history trivia contests. A lifetime highlight in recent years, was an adventure Mike shared with his father and siblings, to visit San Diego, CA, where his father was stationed in the US Navy, and then on to Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, HI. His running days had passed, but he savored walking countless miles all over Oahu during that trip. Mike was very nostalgic and patriotic, known to enjoy the music of crooners such as "Frank" and "Dean". He had a polite appreciation for "common sense" politics, was a life-long NY Yankees fan, and his admiration of Penn State's Joe Paterno had much more to do with the icon's good character and service, than it did with his winning record. Mike's Christian faith was evidenced in his daily devotionals, in his tributes to the heroes that inspired him, and in his lifetime of giving and serving his community. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rodkey is also survived by one brother, Mitchell S. Rodkey and his wife, Linda of Dallastown; one sister, Michelle K. Link and her husband, Dr. Michael H. Link of Kissimmee, FL , several nieces and nephews, and a great niece. Donations can be made in Rodkey's honor, to the scholarship fund established after the recent passing of his closest friend of more than 30 years, Coach Mike Fields, by visiting foundationosceola.org , click "donate now", enter your contact information, choose "scholarship", and type "Mike Fields" to indicate the designated scholarship.