Obituary for Larry Rood

Larry Rood called his last ball game on December 2, 2023, blowing his whistle on well over eight decades of a life well played. Watching Ohio State lose to that Team up North was the final straw after a long illness, so he chose to go help his team make better calls. Larry was hatched from the finest stock, the late Paul L. and LaVera V. Rood (Wise) on October 18, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio. Larry grew up in Westerville in the thirties and forties, which taught him to value and love people over things, but as his own dear Mother once said, “Larry is a packrat!” He loved a good deal as much as a good ball game, but never as much as his family and friends.

Larry never knew a stranger. He taught at Westland High School for most of his teaching career, and if asked what he taught, he would laugh and tell you, “Boys and Girls”. He proudly served as Athletic Director during his time at WHS. Larry was instrumental in founding the Ohio Athletic Association and several youth leagues; he was a tireless supporter of sports and student athletes. Mr. Rood was a referee and umpire for over 57 years.  After retiring from Southwestern City Schools, he spent many years working as a manager for The Columbus Dispatch. He loved to golf and travel, mowed the grass with glee and precision, and relished a medium-rare steak and a burnt hot dog just about equally, but chocolate ice cream was his favorite food group. He loved God, he worshipped his family, he adored his friends, and he was a champion of a good time. Larry Eugene was predeceased by his beloved wife Constance Jean (Connie Specie).

He is survived by his devoted little cat, Miss Arlene; his children, Amber Lynne (Jack Robert) Dennis and Lee Anthony (Michelle) Rood; Grandchildren Jordan (Ken) Suzuki-Rood, Adam (Desiree) Rood, Kamryn Rood and Kaylynn Rood; Great-Grandchildren Lola and Jax Rood; Brothers and Lifelong Compatriots Gordon V. (Barbara) Rood and William H. Rood; nephews and niece Troy Rood, Tad Rood, and Lara (Chris) Foster {Ashton, Blaze and Cole}; Dear Cousin John (Sharon) Bland; extended family Richard (Pamela) Buelow (Eric, Richard D., Kristen, Theoden, Lucian, and Ariella);Theresa Wehrlin (Gabriella and Chloe), Michael Altshuler, and many, many more dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, students, athletes, pets, and special loved ones. Thank you to Hill Funeral Home in Westerville for providing final arrangements and care. A very special thank you to the community of Bluebird Retirement Marysville and Care 360 Hospice for truly loving Larry and his family, and for helping guide him on his final journey home. A Big Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 5, 2024, at Fellowship Bible Chapel, 2949 County Rd. 605, Sunbury, OH 43074, 4pm-8pm, Pastor Charles presiding. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please bring non-perishable food pantry donations for Fellowship Bible Chapel. Larry leaves his classroom with one final question: “Are YOU a Turtle?”  We all love you, Coach. Good Game.