HUDSON, FL – Rodney R. “Rocky” Reinhold , 96, of Hudson, Florida—beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and 
lifelong jokester—passed away on September 25th, 2025, just months before he could meet his great-great-grandson and great-great-granddaughter. He would have said, “They were worth the wait.”
Born October 25th, 1928, in Westfield, MA, to Oscar and Esther Reinhold, Rocky grew up with a strong work ethic, a mischievous grin, and a knack for fixing anything with wheels or a motor. He attended Prospect Hill Elementary and Westfield High School but left early to help support his family. One of his proudest achievements came years later when he earned his GED at 50, proving that stubborn determination runs thicker than blood.
Rocky’s career was as varied as his interests—truck driver, mechanic, farmer, builder, Scoutmaster, firefighter, and sailor. But his true calling came when he joined the Air National Guard at Barnes Airport. He rose from the motor pool to civil engineering and finally to Fire Chief at the 104th Fighter Wing. During the Berlin Crisis, he deployed with his unit to Phalsbourg, France, where he not only served with distinction but also discovered skiing in the Alps (and French beer, which he considered equally important).
At a church picnic, Rocky met the love of his life, Virginia Hempel. They married on Flag Day, June 14th, 1952—he always joked it was nice of the country to celebrate with them. Together, they raised three children, Rod Jr., Arlene, and Paula, filling family life with camping trips, scouting adventures, ski lessons, farming experiments, and the occasional leaky boat.
Speaking of boats, Rocky’s obsession eventually led him to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in retirement, where he turned passion into purpose. He earned the Achievement Medal for Superior Performance of Duty; a recognition he accepted with the same dry wit he brought to everything else.
Rocky was also a devoted sports fan. He lived long enough to see the Red Sox finally break the curse and win the 2004 World Series—something he swore he’d never witness in his lifetime. In Florida, he adopted the Tampa Bay Rays and became a proud Buccaneers fan, which gave him plenty of new teams to yell at from his recliner.
In his early 30s, Rocky discovered another love: photography. Armed with his trusty 35mm Agfa camera and a photographer’s eye, he captured the world around him with care and curiosity. His favorite subjects were his beloved wife, his children, friends, and extended family—though the inside of a car windshield somehow appeared in more shots than anyone could count. Each photo told a story, and together they became his treasured record of a life well-lived.
Retirement brought Rocky and Virginia the joy of travel and exploring the United States. From coastlines to campgrounds, they charted their own adventures, proving that discovery and wonder don’t end with age—they just get more comfortable when you’ve finally upgraded the camper.
Animals were always part of Rocky’s world. From the many cats who curled up at his side to his beloved dog Lily, he never met a creature he didn’t try to befriend. His soft spot for animals matched his big heart for people, and he always had a treat in his pocket—just in case.
A man of many communities, Rocky was active in the Shriners, Elks, American Legion, and ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He never met a stranger, and his humor, warmth, and loyalty built friendships that lasted decades. He loved craft beer—the darker the better—and never failed to raise a glass to a good story.
Rocky leaves behind his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of tales that start with, “Remember when Rocky…” He taught us to work hard, laugh often, love animals fiercely, take too many photos, and never underestimate the joy of a well-poured pint.
After 96 remarkable years, Rocky has set sail on his final voyage—probably with a beer in one hand and petting a dog with the other.
Rocky leaves behind his beloved wife Virginia (Hempel), his son Rodney Reinhold Jr. and daughter-in-law Natalie, his daughter Paula Hersey and son-in-law David, and his cherished grandchild Melissa Phelps and husband Mitchell and great grandsons Johnathan Reinhold and wife Caleum, and Trevor and Derrick Phelps. He was predeceased by his daughter Arlene Reinhold. His legacy lives on in every laugh, every story, and every life he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chapters Hospice, whose incredible staff provided such care and comfort, or to your local SPCA/animal shelter in honor of Rocky’s lifelong love of animals.
