Anthony Rodis ... highly decorated PNSY worker; at 95

SOMERSWORTH - Anthony "Tony" J. Rodis, 95, died on March 1st after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Born in Somersworth on Dec. 20, 1927, the oldest son of John and Vasilike (Mihopoulos) Rodis. Tony graduated from Somersworth High School, and other than a tour of duty in the Army Air Corp as Norden Bombsight and Auto Pilot Specialist serving during World War II and a two-year period at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, he was a lifelong resident of Somersworth.

His employment began at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an Apprentice Shipfitter, and then to Purchase Agent, Senior Contracting Officer to his final promotion as the Shipyard's "Deputy for Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Competitive Programs". Wherever he traveled throughout the United States, his presentations left an indelible impression of the Shipyard's excellence. As Deputy for Small Business, Tony received many individual awards and citations from the Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, Defense Logistics Agencies, and many letters of appreciation from U.S. Senators, U.S. Congressmen, State Governors, and many civilian organizations.

Tony retired from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard after thirty-three years. Over 200 people attended his retirement party where he received the Navy's highest civilian award, the "Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal" for his long exceptional dedicated service. For many dedicated years, Tony was a past Vice President and Board member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Dormition of Virgin Mary, Somersworth. He was past Chairman and Treasurer of the Greek Orthodox Cemetery for over forty-seven years.

One of his proudest and most emotional moments was having both his and his wife's parents' names registered and engraved at the "American Immigrant Wall of Honor" monument at Ellis Island, New York, a family tribute that will last forever.

Tony held a true and abiding love for his beautiful wife, Rose (Folger) Rodis, with whom he shared 73 wonderful years. Tony is survived by two adoring daughters, Donna A. Hebert, Rochester, and Diane R. Crawford and her husband Denis of Somersworth, and one loving son, John A. Rodis, and his wife Sheryl of Somersworth. He is also survived by a brother, Theodore Rodis of Rochester, Anthony also has six grandchildren, Brian, Kevin, and Michael Hebert, Kristie Daigle, Kenneth Crawford, and Victoria Rodis who adored their "Papou". He also has nine great-grandchildren. Tony was predeceased by his brother George Rodis.